Kathak Aura Summer Retreat
With Guru Prerana Deshpande
August 18 - 21, 2025
RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER
This immersive experience will be led by the renowned Guru Prerana Deshpande, who will delve into rare and intricate aspects of Kathak, including technically advanced Taal structures, rich musical compositions, and nuanced Abhinaya (Vandana, Bandish, and Thumri).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Designed for intermediate to professional-level dancers, the retreat offers a structured syllabus tailored to each level, providing a rigorous yet enriching training experience. Retreatants can expect:
- Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
- Full-day guided training sessions in a serene residential setting
- Deep exploration of Kathak techniques, rhythms, and expressive storytelling
- Intensive practice, including exercises, stretches, and traditional compositions
- A special informal showcase on the final day, where participants will present their learnings to Guru Prerana Deshpande
- Music for the pieces taught will be available on request. Some new compositions and new taal structure will be incorporated in the retreat.
This is a rare opportunity to refine your technique, expand your artistic vocabulary, and immerse yourself in the soul of Kathak with one of its finest experts.
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS
- Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
- Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
- Extensive library of dharma books
- Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna
PREREQUISITES
This program is designed for intermediate/advanced level Kathak students/practitioners. A minimum of 4 years of learning and on-stage performance experience is required.
SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Monday, August 18
| 3:00 PM | Check in begins |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:30-8:30 PM | Welcome and Introduction |
| Calming Meditation Techniques |
Tuesday, August 19- Wednesday, August 20
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Outdoor Walking Meditation and Yoga |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:30 AM-11:30 AM | Taal Learning and Practice |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00-2:30 PM | Personal time, woods walk, or personal meditation |
| 2:30-4:00 PM | Tarana/Vandana Learning and Practice |
| 4:00-6:00 PM | Free Time |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:30-8:30 PM | Evening Padhant and Group Discussion |
Thursday, August 21
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Outdoor Walking Meditation and Yoga |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:30 AM-11:30 AM | Group Informal Recital |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Checkout and Departure |
Teacher
Prerana Deshpande is a recognized Indian expert in Kathak dance. She started to study Kathak under Sharadini Gole when she was seven years old. Her first performance was when she was fifteen years old. Then she studied Kathak under Guru-Shishya Parampara tradition from Rohini Bhate, of Lucknow and Jaipur gharanas for twenty two years. She is known for her graceful movements, and for mastery over various aspects of Kathak, such as abhinaya (expression) and command over the laya (rhythm). Prerana Deshpande received her formal education at the Centre of Performing Arts of Pune University (Lalit Kala Kendra), India. She completed…
Learn more about Guru Prerana Deshpande
