Serenity in Rhythm: An Immersive Kathak Retreat
With Neela Zareen
July 20 - 23, 2026
RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER
Neela Dance Academy’s Immersive Kathak Retreat provides focused training for intermediate dancers seeking to strengthen technique, rhythm, and expressive clarity. Techniques and materials learned in this retreat will culminate in a full stage performance before a large audience..
PLEASE NOTE: Registration closes June 25.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Designed to deepen both discipline and artistic understanding, the retreat will help you advance confidently in your study of Kathak.Daily classes will cover:
- Advanced Kathak techniques
- Rhythmic exercises
- Padhant speaking
- Advanced Kathak compositions (todas, tukdas) and taal presentation
- Rhythmic choreography, such as Tarana
- Traditional Kathak gats
- Lyrical choreography and expressive dance (abhinaya)
Each day includes both teaching sessions and sustained self-practice sessions focused on clarity, stamina, and precision. The program also incorporates guided yoga and meditation to support alignment, breath, and mental focus. Designed for serious students who wish to become Kathak performers, the retreat provides a structured environment to deepen artistry, strengthen foundational skills, and engage fully with the depth of Kathak.
You will leave the retreat with noticeably stronger technique, expanded repertoire, and a deeper, more embodied understanding of the form—a more accomplished Kathak performer, with a renewed appreciation for the depth and discipline of the tradition.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Immersive Kathak learning & practice experience without the interruptions of daily demands
- Daily yoga and meditation sessions
- 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 and walking trails
PREREQUISITES
Participants should have basic command of Kathak footwork and a working understanding of tintaal. A grasp of fundamental Kathak techniques—posture, chakkars, tatkar, and rhythmic coordination—is essential. These prerequisites ensure that all participants can train at an intensive level and fully engage with the material taught during the retreat.
SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Monday, July 20
| 3:00-4:00 PM | Check in |
| 4:00-6:00 PM | Kathak Class (Milarepa Hall) |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00-10:00 PM | Kathak Class; Self Practice (Milarepa Hall) |
| 10:00 PM | Lights out |
Tuesday, July 21 – Wednesday, July 22
| 7:00-7:30 AM | Yoga with Sheetal (Practice Pavillion) |
| 7:30-8:00 AM | Meditation with Shamini (Practice Pavillion) |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM-12:00 PM | Kathak Class; Self Practice (Milarepa Hall) |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00-6:00 PM | Kathak Class; Self Practice (Milarepa Hall) |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00-10:00 PM | Kathak Class; Self Practice (Milarepa Hall) |
| 10:00 PM | Lights out |
Thursday, July 23
| 7:00-7:30 AM | Yoga with Sheetal (Practice Pavillion) |
| 7:30-8:00 AM | Meditation with Shamini (Practice Pavillion) |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM-12:00 PM | Kathak Class (Milarepa Hall) |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Checkout and Departure |
Teacher
Rooted in the vibrant spirit of New York, Neela Zareen is a dedicated Indian classical dancer specializing in Kathak and Kuchipudi. Her artistic lineage traces back to revered mentors, Kathak Guru Smt. Prerana Deshpande and Kuchipudi Guru Smt. Sadhana Paranji, under whose guidance she cultivated a deep reverence for forms and storytelling. For over two decades, Neela has shared her artistry through performances at numerous dance festivals and cultural events across New York and beyond, committed to cultural continuity through classical dance. She has received multiple grants and staged dance performances. She founded Neela dance Academy over ten years ago,…
Learn more about Neela Zareen
