Fact File

A student recently joined the Kathak batch a month back. I get a panic call from her saying that we have been doing basic stuff for too long and she is worried as to how she'll cope up with the syllabus and exams.

(Remember she has joined just month ago) She had earlier asked me to allow her to video shoot in class which I denied to. I gave her a solution - Why don't u go home and ask someone to record what you have learnt in class right away... This way u have a fresh replay, plus backup in case you forget, for the sake of recording u will revise as soon as u reach home. This will help you if want to go back to confirm anything while you practice...

Now, this student never practices. First few seconds of any student's gait, stance and footwork tell us if the student has done their homework and Riyaz.

JUST PLANNING FOR WORKOUTS WILL NEVER MAKE YOU FIT AND STRONG. 

JUST HAVING MEAL PLANS ON PAPER WILL NEVER MAKE YOU EAT RIGHT AND CLEAN.

NO MATTER HOW MANY RECORDINGS YOU TAKE, IF YOU DON'T TIE YOUR GUNGROOS AND PRACTICE EVERYDAY ,YOU AIN'T GOING ANYWHERE....

I remember at the annual Kathak Symposium this year where we had discussed about how our GURUS spent months teaching us just 'Ta Thai Thai Tat' The very first step of learning anything new is TRUST , on yourself and your teacher. 

If learning for exams is a motive, one may never dream of becoming a performer. 

Having said that I have faith in grading system and support the evaluation process of university. I am an examiner and a paper setter myself. 

But how will this mindset create future artists? 

Yes Skype Lessons are popular and may find a decent following. 

But what happens in a class , with the group dynamics and riyaz in front of the teacher can never be replaced...

One can't be learning an art form and remain oblivious and uneducated and unaware of other mediums of expression. 

I always encourage my students to go visit art galleries, painting ,sculpture , ceramics, handloom, handicraft exhibitions, I ask them to hear world music, I encourage them to watch international films, attend music concerts , ballets, festivals, I tell them to go travel , read, meet and talk to people , play with colors, learn pottery , photography in their free time, reconnect with nature... Get inspired... Sing, write....

One has to be exposed to a plethora of experiences to evolve as an artist.

Art forms, in fact nothing in life is a quick fix unless you be at it consistently , diligently , sincerely and regularly. 

Gym change, dietitian change , trainer change, class hopping, school change nothing will help unless ONE DECIDES TO CHANGE FROM WITHIN.

Discipline, mind over matter, patience, faith, experience - everything counts... 

Art is a way of life :)