This is a very important part of the learning stage of Kathak dance. The relationship you have with your teacher. The word Guru means teacher and Shishya means deciple. In order to carry on such an old artform you need to have some sort of tradtion that helps the dance stay alive. This tradtion is one of those. It keeps the dance form alive. This tradition is that the student will learn without arrogance and the teacher will teach openly.
The tradition makes sure that the student fulfills their training and then moves on to perform as a proffessional. It is explained beautifully with the example of a Banyon Tree. A banyon tree grows in a way that once it’s branches reach a certain height they reach down towards the earth. The spot that the branch touches creates a root and the tree continues growing. The teacher creates dancers who then after their performing career go on to teach thus making more students and dancers. You should always stay connected to your teacher because there will be a time you need guidance about your career.
-Vaishnavi P.
Indian Classical Dance: Kathak 