

KATHAK ACADEMY
Transcend the terrestrial; surpass the celestial, from nature's hands when you receive the sublime pleasures of dance.


ABOUT THE ACADEMY
In an era of burgeoning growth, the preservation of our heritage and culture finds its strongest ally in the nurturing of our diverse art forms.
Driven by this conviction, Manasa Joshi's Art Foundation stands as a beacon, dedicated to spreading the essence of this ancient art to countless enthusiasts. Ours is a sanctuary for those driven by passion, where age holds no sway; from tiny tots to seasoned citizens, all are embraced with open arms. At the heart of our ethos lies a commitment to guiding our students along the "route to our roots," ensuring they cultivate a robust foundation to shape the future.
Kathak, a Jewel of Dance:
Kathak, a cornerstone of India's classical dance heritage, traces its origins to the wandering bards of North India, known as Kathakars or storytellers. Much like the bards of ancient Greece, these Kathakars roamed the land, weaving tales through music, dance, and song. Evolving during the Bhakti movement of medieval Hinduism, Kathak became a vessel for spiritual devotion, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Indian mythology and epics, particularly the life of Lord Krishna. From the royal courts of North Indian kingdoms to the opulent settings of the Mughal era, Kathak transitioned, adapting, and assimilating influences, giving rise to three renowned schools: the Jaipur, Banaras, and Lucknow gharanas, each with its unique emphasis on footwork or expression.
Our Vision:
At Manasa Joshi 'sArts foundation our mission transcends mere instruction; we aspire to ignite a profound love for dance, fostering self-confidence, discipline, and a reverence for the performing arts. Empowering each dancer with the tools to realize their dreams, we believe in the boundless potential of human expression. In the words of Martha Graham, "There is vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action...if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost."
MILAN JHANKAAR
RANGMANCH
GOONJ
2022
Two years ago, Manasa Joshi's talented students took center stage for their very first showcase, a momentous occasion that marked the culmination of their initial Kathak journey.
The name chosen for this event, "Milan Jhankaar," holds special significance even today."Milan" signifies the beautiful meeting of student and teacher, a cornerstone of artistic growth. "Jhankaar," the rhythmic sound of anklets, embodies the very essence of Kathak itself.
This year's theme, "Echoes from Eras" showcased the evolution of Kathak through the ages. Each segment reflected a distinct period, demonstrating how Kathak has adapted and thrived over centuries while preserving its core essence.
It celebrated the harmonious union of talent and heritage, enchanting audiences with a vivid portrayal of the Kathak's timeless beauty and cultural significance.
"Milan Jhankaar" is a biennial spectacle where the academy's budding Kathak dancers take center stage, weaving tales of tradition through intricate footwork and expressive movements. With vibrant sets and soul-stirring rhythms, this showcase celebrates the harmonious union of talent and heritage, enchanting audiences every two years.
2022
This year's theme, "Echoes from Eras" showcased the evolution of Kathak through the ages. Each segment reflected a distinct period, demonstrating how Kathak has adapted and thrived over centuries while preserving its core essence.
It celebrated the harmonious union of talent and heritage, enchanting audiences with a vivid portrayal of the Kathak's timeless beauty and cultural significance.
Two years ago, Manasa Joshi's talented students took center stage for their very first showcase, a momentous occasion that marked the culmination of their initial Kathak journey.
The name chosen for this event, "Milan Jhankaar," holds special significance even today."Milan" signifies the beautiful meeting of student and teacher, a cornerstone of artistic growth. "Jhankaar," the rhythmic sound of anklets, embodies the very essence of Kathak itself.
“echoes from eras”
2024
A snippet of Milan Jhankaar 2024
NEW BATCH
Manasa Joshi Arts Foundation is excited to announce that admissions for new batches, starting in July 2024 are now open! Fill out the form and contact the number below for more details.
Manasa Joshi Arts Foundation is thrilled to announce that admissions for the new batches are now open! We invite passionate and aspiring artists to fill out the application form and reach out to the contact number provided at the bottom of this page for further details. The new batch will commence in July 2024. We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming our new students and nurturing their artistic talents.

artsfoundationmj@gmail.com
+91-9900004121,
16th Main Road, RK Layout, Padmanabhanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560070