Kathak Classes For Beginners in Houston Metro Area

• - 5/5

A wonderful academy that helps teacher and students to connect from across the world.

• - 5/5

I love this institute because of it's kind teachers and graceful dances!!!!! This is in no way a bad place!!!!

• - 5/5

Tai, the BMM show was fantastic, I loved every bit of it! Your ardhanareshwar was mesmerizing. Ghunghat and panihari were also very powerful. The girls’ performances interspersed with your powerful ones perfectly struck a beautiful balance. We are so fortunate to have you here and have you as our guru. We are immensely blessed. The awe of watching your shows has not diminished for me despite watching them up close for almost two decades now.

• - 5/5

My experience is very good . I get detailed attention from.Guru Archana Her focus is so much on grammar, strength. Body alignment and riyaaaz I am loving it and best part is that she does everything as many as times till you get it People might not like her for being strict with Riyaaz but that’s what classical art form is all about I love her , she has knowledge depth of an ocean I am always excited / little nervous but prepared for her class . Wish I had found her long ago

• - 5/5

Archana Tai is the true Guru. There isn’t anyone else who has the strength, dedication, and in-depth vision like Tai does. She focuses on grooming every single student and brings out the beauty in them. She is so precise in her choreographies and even while teaching, she makes sure to explain everything to her students. We don’t just learn how to move our bodies; we learn all the terms, and the meaning behind what we perform, and the science and math behind what we do. Tai makes it her responsibility to explain what we’re learning and how it connects to us at that very moment. Through Tai’s guidance, we have been fortunate to have the opportunity to perform on many stages and partake in many workshops and events. I have been a student of Tai’s for 9 years now, and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to learn from her and to have her as my Guru.

• - 5/5

Archana Arts is the best dance school for learning Kathak. If anybody wants to genuinely learn Kathak and hone the skills of the dance form, Archana Arts is the place. This school has a detailed curriculum, all the way from Beginners to Master’s level. Archana Arts embodies the rich culture of Indian heritage. Students are taught so much more than how to just move their bodies in rhythm. This school focuses on gracefulness and truly grooming the students into beautiful dancers. The knowledge of Archana Arts is vast and deep. It encompasses the technical side as well as the Bhav (expression) side of Kathak. This is the activity which helps your physical health and mental health. Anyone can learn this art form regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.

• - 5/5

As a student of six years at Archana Nrityalaya, I can proudly say that getting the opportunity to learn from Archana Tai has been one of the greatest blessings of my entire life. In fact, the impact of her tutelage, both in and outside of the classroom, cannot be quantified into the five stars of this rating. I highly doubt that it could be counted in thousands of them either. When I began learning with Archana Tai in sixth grade, I wasn’t very happy. Kathak dance had so many guidelines, so many rules. The dance required so much effort and discipline, and with Archana Tai as my guru, I had to strive for perfection. And I definitely was not disciplined or motivated enough to do it at that age, and it was because of my drawbacks that I almost considered quitting my tutelage. Today, I proudly say that continuing was one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made. The rules that I eventually internalized define my character today, in both dance and society. Every single lesson in her studio is test of the decorum she has taught and continues to teach me: Do I appear confident and strong every time I move my body to the rhythm? How about my hair, my attire? Have I dressed to succeed in class? And lest we forget, how am I reciting poems and compositions? Is my performance acceptable, or exemplary? Most importantly, how do I respond to my critiques? Do I dare to retaliate out of sheer impulse, or accept my mistakes and respect both my progress and my teacher’s wishes and try again? I face the questions every single day when I return, and try to make the right decisions as Tai has taught me. Yes, Tai can be strict. She pays attention to the nitty-gritty details, and strives for intense perfection. She may break down her students to begin, but rebuilds then into future dancers and leaders. Her endless care for her students is reflected in every single conversation she has with her students. These attributes that distinguish her from other teachers and academies. The schooling that we students receive here is arguably beyond any other Kathak education we can receive. Here, we learn to push the boundaries the boundaries of ourselves and dance, so that we can do the same in life. Thank you, Archana Tai. For everything you have taught me and will continue to to teach me both inside and outside of your classroom.

• - 5/5

I love the way Archana tai teaches… she has a warm attitude towards all her students and spends a great amount of time focusing on each and every one of them. Truly the best kathak teacher running one of the most prestigious kathak academies.

• - 5/5

They say your Guru is your ‘Marg Darshak’, so for a classical dance form like Kathak, it was an obvious choice for us to go to Archana Tai. This is the perfect place for letting your child’s childhood flourish while they learn this beautiful dance form. Each child is given individual attention to make sure, they have the right pronounciation, Bhav, posture etc. We are seeing our beautiful little girls turn into graceful dancers with each passing year. And you know that you made the right choice when your child is begging you for summer camp after a full rigorous year of the Kathak. Archana Nrityalaya is not a dance school but an extended family for us.

• - 5/5

I have been associated with ArchanaTai and her dance school for over 10+ years through my daughter who learns Kathak with her. Typically, I am a person of few words but feel compelled to write this review as my daughter is planning to finish her B.A. in Kathak soon. I have no doubt that Kathak and especially association with Tai is a big reason behind my daughters confidence, self-identity, musicality and pursuit of excellence in whatever she undertakes. Tai doesn’t just teach kathak, she imbibes in her students values of hard work, attention to detail, consistency and diligence. She takes effort to explain history of Kathak, meaning behind each lesson and shared stories of our cultural heritage. Tai uses the right balance between tough love and tenderness to ensure her students achieve their full potential. It is no surprise that the learning in her classroom goes beyond Kathak and makes its mark in academic, physical and spiritual worlds. If you are looking for serious Kathak training, you cannot find a better teacher and human being that you want your child to associate with and learn from. THANK YOU Tai for your wisdom and heart, and all the sweet things that you do. We are thankful to have you here in NJ!

• - 5/5

Archana Nrityalaya has been an absolute godsend for us; my daughter has been learning Kathak for the past four years under the tutelage of Guru Archana Joglekar, and absolutely loves it. Tai, as she is fondly called by all her students, puts her heart and soul into making sure that all her students learn this beautiful art - she will continually challenge the students to stretch and improve their dance skills. Serious students only!

• - 5/5

Hi Tai, It was a wonderful performance at the Rhythm of Life 2022as always.... You never cease to surprise me, rather amaze me ,and every time I come back impressed with the depth and breadth and range of your performance and talent. You outdo yourselves every time we all see you, in many respects. I remember the annual show of 2019, as I remember other shows of yours that I have attended and watched. I could go on and on about the artistic talent, the creativity, the choreography, the attention to detail and the combination of originality and choice of compositions that you have taken from the legends. You would have heard about all this from others too.. What impressed me also are the steps that you are taking to build the next level of talent for your academy and laying foundations of a lasting institution that can scale and grow to multiple levels.. I particularly liked the gesture to honor all faculties and PareshJi in particular. It is rare that an individual who is an excellent performer in his or her field is also good at managing, organizing, and institution building. This combination of multiple talents within you, along with organizational capabilities, and the teaching and institution building abilities is an exceptional combination seen rarely in creative artists. We feel thankful and blessed to have you as Guru for our kids... Our prayers for the continued growth of your art, craft and for the growth of this wonderful institution Archana Arts is promising to be

• - 5/5

The show was amazing! Hats off to Archana Tai for working so hard to put this show together and to make it the best it can be. I had a guest from India who thoroughly enjoyed the performances and following are her own words: I would not have imagined to witness 3 and 1/2 hours of a pure classical show in the USA, which I have not even seen in India. The show was fabulous.

• - 5/5

Year after year, the level of the performers keeps getting better. It is enthralling to see the progression of the little ones blossoming into such a fine dancers. But it would not have been possible if they had not find the Guru like Archana Tai. These kids are so blessed to have such Kathak legend like her in their life. And as the parents we are fortunate too. She and her faculty show students how far they have to go and what life long commitment to the art form means.

• - 5/5

When you cannot decide which one of your favorite from an evening full of classical dances, you know that its an evening thoroughly enjoyed. Be it the little girls just stepping into Kathak or the beautiful girls who have learning this beautiful art for years. Of course, the cherry on the top is the back story presented behind each composition and your relationship to it.

• - 5/5

I have seen several recitals over last 10 years thanks to my daughter's involvement. Archanaji's commitment, dedication, involvement in every single detail and the effortless ease with which you seem to make it all come together (though I know it can't be easy at all) is tremendously worthy of appreciation.

• - 5/5

The annual show, 'Rhythm of Life' is just REMARKABLE, DISTINCT, MESMERIZING and it was so much more that few words cannot describe it. All of my family who came to see the show were just amazed to see such professional level performances by all the girls. Especially some of the short stories and your philanthropy towards Kathak came out good through your

• - 5/5

Archanaji's passion, knowledge and art really shows as you watch every student as they perform! Coal needs to be put under pressure to become diamonds and the kids and their parents really get it!! The structure, the sequence, the pace, the selection, your performance and the culmination pieces - everything was outstanding and a visual treat.

• - 5/5

As a feedback on Ashishji, I would like to rate As below : 1. Knowledge and depth of mastery in classical Sangeet - excellent and more than what I expected. 2. Teaching quality and ability to connect with student - very good. Being my first music learning experience , this was an excellent session and could not ask for more. 3. Punctuality and discipline - excellent , always on time

• - 5/5

I am having an awesome experience as a student of Meetkalakar Gurukul. Guru Nishhad ji is awesome. I heartly thank you for this.

• - 5/5

I would like to share my experience with you that it was my privilige to learn vocal music from meetkalakar by the mercy of my music teacher It was very difficult to find time from my busy schedule to learn music because of my working hours but due to online vocal music class i could understand the basics of classical music. Therefore i thank meetkalakar team and offer my obeisance unto my music teacher Gaanheera.

• - 5/5

Hi Richa ji, hope you are doing fine... Just wanted to let you know that I am quite enjoying my Sitar classes and it's wonderful to have someone like Rafat ji as my teacher. Thank you. From Roshini Dubey

• - 5/5

it's very humbling. Person half my age has much more knowledge and talent than me. ...jokes apart. I liked it. I realized I had to practice a lot. Will do. As I said my end goal is not to perform r anything. I want to enjoy music better.

• - 5/5

Meetkalakar support staff has been extremely responsive and diligent for all my queries. Their services are efficient and timely. Pallaviji is an awesome teacher. Her teaching caters to the potential and skill level of the individual and she is extremely particular about the rendition of each sur ! She is also very flexible on logistics and timings as may be needed from time to time in a hectic lifestyle.

• - 5/5

Thanx for making this possible with a great artist & teacher Hemaji.----

• - 5/5

Yes he is very good, so cooperative. Respecting my ideas and doubts very patiently. Clarifying them in understandable manner. I am getting more confident than before

• - 5/5

My sessions with Hemaji went well. She is an accomplished Artist, Music Master & Teacher, this is my first impression of her. I enjoy learning from her.

• - 5/5

Bharat sir is a very good teacher I like Sir 's class very much. I think its a belated gift feedback

• - 5/5

I am very happy with the training I am receiving from Amitaji. This is the kind of training I was hoping for. Overall everything has been working very efficiently and satisfactorily.

• - 5/5

Meetkalakar connected me to a fabulous teacher, Kiran ji, from whom i was interested to learn from as he had translated and composed some Indian Classical Music in English for a wider audience. He was thorough in explaining the Ragas step by step from Alankars, wadi, samwadi, to Stahi, Antara, and teaching many old Krishna Bhajans. He could relate with my interest Yoga, and made me follow the breath with attention, thus the songs expressed the spirit coming from inner silence; the themes ranged from returned, unrequited forms of spiritual love in soaring tempos. His explanation of tge universality of Dadra, Rupak Taal helped me connect to Western Classical (Opera) & Jazz styles of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole. He made sure that the sessions were recorded, and guided me to procure books from: Sanskar Prakashan, Mumbai, which helped me become self-reliant. It has been an amazing journey for me, even after he retired, of self-improvement to keep exploring and refining myself listening to my own recordings in a self-guided manner. Thanks

• - 5/5

It is a great pleasure to say that your organisation has changed the traditional way of learning n imparting such beautiful art. You have changed the geographical boundaries as well. Such courses are very helpful for those people who have feelings and passion to learn but due to x,y,z reasons they could not get the feeling of achievement and satisfaction to get into the flair of art. Now as a part of your vision and organisation I personally feel proud and would thank you from the bottom of my heart.

• - 5/5

The sessions that I took were really good. Rakhi mam is so knowledgeable and teaches with patience. I'm looking forward to learn more and more from her.

• - 5/5

Class going on very well thanks for finding such amazing guru for me!

• - 5/5

My classes was amazing. I loved it.. Hema Ji is a wonderful teacher. I just wish the voice clarity of Skype call was more clear.. rest all was fantastic..

• - 5/5

Deepa Madam is flexible... & Simple way of teaching... Meetkalakar is helping is to bridge the gap.

• - 5/5

Namaskar Before I finish my 10 th class I would like to share my experience with Meetkalakar .The Institution is really one of the Best. I am associated with many institutions to refer Ragas , and other material to learn Hindustani Classical Vocal. The staff is really good. They know well what is the meaning of Customer Satisfaction i.e CRM. The teachers are thorough in Knowledge and the method of teaching the person like me who is now going to Cross 64 and enter 65 is increase interest in learning. You get Motivated to learn more and more and hence I decided to continue my classes further. Here I would like to thank to my Guru Mandar Gadgil and whatever I am learning because of him. He is not only cool but also method of teaching is really good.I could pick up early because of that. I am in Delhi and whatever best help to promote Meetkalakar and its associate members /teachers I will do it. I will try and see if I can fix the program for them in future. Its my pleasure to continue to learn further Hindustani Classical Vocal . Thanks & Regards, Ghanashyam Walimbe CEO Chintamani Consultants & LIC_LOGO

• - 5/5

Meetkalakar is trust worthy online site. They have been very diligent in finding an online teacher for me. I am an adult learner in my forties and it has been difficult to find a teacher. However, Meetkalakar never gave up and kept sourcing teachers until they found “the” one. I have been learning online Kathak for almost a year now. My teacher Ruhi Masodkar is very passionate about Kathak and has taken up the task to teach and help me enjoy my learning. Meetkalakar regularly contacts me to check my progress and satisfaction. They are very transparent about the fees and there are no hidden charges. If we students maintain our integrity and diligence, we will be able to make Meetkalakar a popular website for genuine learners. This will also attract passionate gurus who are ready to share their knowledge. The members of Meetkalakar are knowledgeable. They make the students aware there are no learning short cuts to any Indian dance or music and there would be few shortcomings like video and audio quality over the internet. Indian dance and art form is normally thought from a very young age, so for adult beginners like me it is beginnig of a journey. I am happy neither Meetkalakar nor my teacher Ruhi Masodkar have given up on me and I am grateful for their support. I would recommend Meetkalakar to all students who are genuinenly interested in learning Indian dance and music. Meetkalakar are serious about their commitment and I hope they get famous worldwide

• - 5/5

I was searching very hard for a teacher who could teach me Hindustani vocal & meet Kalakar just gave me that. Deepa Sathe madam is really teaching me very well & as i work in a thermal power plant it is very hard for me to make some time for my classes. but she has lot of patience, in spite of all my problems with network & timings,she is really helping me a lot, with my schedule to teach me the music I am very thankful to meet Kalakar for making my dreams come true. meet Kalakar as it says provides platform for music lovers & music teachers.

• - 5/5

I am 50 years old and always had liking towards music . Due to some reason or other I could never pay any attention and there by ignored even the basic understanding of music . Off late I decided to learn Hindustani Vocal . However due to many un avoidable reasons could not know how to start about it . In the mean while I came across the web site of meetkalakar . When contacted , after few interaction with Meetkalakar I could get to know Mr. Harshad Dongre an excellent young and talented person who could teach me the basics of Hindustani Vocals . Now sitting at home I have started the basics of Hindustani vocal under the guidance of Harshad Sir and hopefully I could continue further for the rest of my life . It is possible always to pull out some time and try to full fill our left out aspiration at any point of life .

• - 5/5

I am very happy and satisfied about guru ji and his lessons. He is very knowledgeable, creative and motivating. He identifies the weakness and gives assignments accordingly to improve on weakness. I never seen him in bad mood even when I do mistake or do not understand some of his lessons. He always uses different approach in case I am not getting it whatever he is trying to teach me. I think I really met Kalakar.

• - 5/5

Singing lesson was fantastic. Yashaswi madam was excellent. Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to next week. Thank you very much for everything , thanks

• - 5/5

Teacher is good... Taking efforts, Sampada madam is comfortable person. I am happy to continue next classes with her.

• - 5/5

I am getting lessons on classical vocal Sangeet through e-learning by meetkalarar artist Shri Prashant Kalundrekar. Earlier before joining, I did not have any idea about e- learning of classical sangeet. But after joining and completing 5 classes, I felt it is very very helpful, interesting and effective. May be because of the technique adopted by artist Shri Prashant Sir is unique and excellent. I am enjoining his teaching technique and growing interest in classical sangeet day by day. Though I started very very late in my life, still I am gradually feeling growing interest within me and trying to enter into the deep of this subject.

• - 5/5

I am very happy and satisfied about guru Anutosh ji and his lessons. He is very knowledgeable, creative and motivating. He identifies the weakness and gives assignments accordingly to improve on weakness. I never seen him in bad mood even when I do mistake or do not understand some of his lessons. He always uses different approach in case I am not getting it whatever he is trying to teach me. I think I really met Kalakar.

• - 5/5

Prasad sir khupch changle shikavtat ani explain hi mast kartat. I enjoy my class. Thanks to Meetkalakar ki tuhmi mala suitable ase time adjust karun dile & Prasad sira sarkhe sir available karun dile.

• - 5/5

My experience with meerkalakar has been good. The online classes are good.

• - 5/5

I have enjoyed alot. Aur sumukhi madam is a great teacher.

• - 5/5

I have enjoyed every session of learning with Vaidehiji. She is an excellent teacher, very patient, she explains everything theorotically and practically. Her pace of teaching is also excellent, whereby, i get a chance to grasp and understand what she is teaching me. My sessions with Vaidehiji has been very fruitful for me, as i can definitely see an improvement in my voice since i started. I would definitely recommend Vaidehiji to anyone who wants to start learning music. All my best wishes to her. Must also add that she is gifted with a beautiful voice. Meetkalakar, u guys have been excellent in your communication with me. You are always prompt in getting back and replying, which shows your commitment and professionalism. Keep it up. Looking forward to a long relationship with you. All the best.

• - 5/5

I Regina will continue my vocal lessons, so as my daughter will start her flute lessons soon. I enjoyed my first musical journey session with madam Manasi, is a very professional artist and made me feel comfortable and relaxed teaches me patiently, simplifying the song which makes it so much easier to follow up.will have Manasiji for my future cordinator for training me as a singer Shraddhaji music is my life since I was a childhood, have grown up with listening 24/7 to Lataji's,Ashajis,Rafi saheb, and Kishoreda songs since 1960s till now so I have basically learnt from listening, whole my life, at times I was asked to perform a song in schools concerts, and youth concerts during my school days. I started learning basics of music recently locally but not professionally,and not trained. So when I saw the advertisement if meetkalakar through internet I was thrilled as especially from Mumbai India with professional and multi talented music industry meetkalakar. India is a Land Of Music which is the heart of music and I'm glad I'm part of it working with multi talented music industry where the teaches are highly qualified and professionals. Now I feel I'm in a right place. India is winning millions of heart globally with their music performance I think from the bottom of my heart that India is truly truely blessed. Thanks to our technology for uniting India globally through their divine and music, connecting us through music and same time learning. Thanks for spreading your knowledge and helping globally, about knowledge of music. Hats off to meetkalakar. I respect, admire your talent as an artist . Meetkalar is extremely multi talented professionals in art creations. I have a long way to go yet, as my problem is breathing techniques in between lines of the songs. I'm enjoying my class with meetkalar and hope to stay and finish my entirely project till I'm well trained. Performing a great team work excellent in spreading your music help and knowledge globally rea

• - 5/5

Sir, is very kind and soft spoken in nature. He understands the requirement and level of student soon and teaches him accordingly. Focuses on hands on practice and keeps full attention. I am really having a great time learning harmonium and music from very talented and versatile Sir Anant Joshi. He is a true guru. Thank you to him from my side For Meetkalakar - Thanks Meetkalakar to introduce me to such a great tutor