Abhivyakti: A Contemplative Journey of Expression through Kathak Dance

Facilitated by Annu Gupta
October 9-15, 2026

“The mind is everything, what you think you become.” – Buddha

About Kathak Dance Form:
Kathak Dance is one of the most ancient form of Indian Classical Performing Art. It is said to have originated in the temples of North India. Known as the dance of storytellers, Kathak comes from the word ‘Kathakaar’the village minstrel who used subtle gestures and movements to enhance the dramatic element of the narrative. One of the essential feature of the dance form is to balance one’s personal emotions and fully embody the characters in a manner of oneness.

About the Workshop:
The primary objective of the 7 day long intensive workshop is to collectively create conditions for each one of us to be able to express our hearts and acknowledge the feelings and emotions that may arise in the process. The theme chosen for this workshop is “The Flower and the Thorn: Exploring Perception Through Movement.” The participants shall also be introduced to the basics as well as the technical aspects of the dance form such as the footwork, hand movements, mudras, spins — learning about all these intricacies of the dance form shall help us connect and cultivate awareness at each step.

For the same purpose, a choreography will also be prepared together on ‘Phoolko Aankha Ma Phulai Samsara’ as sung by Ani Choying Drolma. Through the imagery of the flower and the thorn, the song gently invites us to reflect on how our perceptions shape the way we experience the world around us. It will be our companion throughout the workshop—not as a song to be explained, but as one to be felt through movement, rhythm, and shared presence. The creative process will offer an opportunity to observe how our inner landscape influences the way we relate to ourselves, others, and life’s circumstances.
Please note that the workshop is not about giving any teachings or commentary on the song.

About the Framework for the Workshop:
We will be having a variety of sessions in the workshop such as:
• Guided Meditation: to bring our Mind into the present moment
• Observing Silence: to connect to our deeper self and just to be
• Kathak Sessions: as a medium to explore, express and heal
• Group Activities: to expand our horizons while learning from each other’s experiences
• Contemplation: to relate our learnings with life
• Sharing/Reflection Circles: to go deeper within while listening to others
• Choreography on the chosen theme to receive reminders and inspiration to become aware of how our perceptions shape our experience of the world.
• Stage Performance: to share our experiences with the larger group

Our Daily Schedule:
9am – 10.30am : Session 1
10.30am – 11am : Tea Break
11am – 12pm : Session 2
12pm – 3pm : Lunch & Break
3pm – 4.30pm : Session 3
4.30pm – 5pm : Tea Break
5pm – 6pm : Session 4

A Few General Guidelines:
• Minimum age to join is 16 years.
• All sessions are mandatory to join.
• No prior training or experience in classical dance is needed to join the workshop.
• The workshop is not any gender specific, anyone who wishes to explore the dance form is welcome to join.
• For the final day’s stage presentation, please bring a white or off-white knee-length kurta with leggings (for women), or a white/off-white kurta–pajama (for men), along with a dupatta of any color.

About the Facilitator:
Annu Gupta is an avid Kathak Practitioner, Performer and a Teacher based out of New Delhi who have learned and taught this art form for last 17 years now. She began her journey of learning Kathak professionally under the guidance of her guru Smt. Monisa Nayak and have also performed at the most reputed platforms across the country, including the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.
After moving away from a mainstream career in her field, she found satisfaction working with underprivileged communities through an initiative called ‘Anubhuti’ in 2016. The aim was to inculcate essential life skills such as self-confidence, leadership, team work and creativity among under-served children in remote rural/tribal communities and in urban slums using Kathak Dance as a medium.
While her heart was yearning to find more to life, she met Buddhist Teachings in 2019 and since then she has been deeply involved in understanding and practicing these profound teachings. Presently, she spends her time blending Buddhist Teachings with this performing art.
She also continues to teach Kathak in its traditional form through online/offline sessions and also travels to conduct Anubhuti workshops as and when her heart calls for it.

More About Annu’s Work:
www.annukathak.in | Instagram: @annu.kathak

This workshop is by donation | Stay and Meals at Actuals
For queries, registration & accommodation, please email: [email protected]