What Do You Need for Online Kathak Classes? Complete Setup Guide

One of the loveliest things about Kathak is how little you need to begin. Unlike skiing, golf or piano, your starter kit fits inside a single drawer. Here is the complete checklist of everything you need for online Kathak classes — from absolute essentials to nice-to-haves.

1. The Absolute Essentials (Day 1)

A Camera Device

Any smartphone (Android or iPhone), tablet or laptop with a working front camera will do. Ideally, place it at chest or face height on a tripod, stack of books, or kitchen stool — never on the floor (it makes the guru look up your nose).

Stable Internet

Minimum 5 Mbps download/upload. Wi-Fi is fine for most homes. If your video freezes, sit closer to the router or switch to mobile hotspot.

6 ft × 6 ft Floor Space

Hardwood, tile, marble or a smooth rug works well. Avoid thick carpet — it muffles tatkar and slows chakkars. Push furniture aside or rearrange your living room corner just for class time.

Comfortable Clothing

Salwar-kameez, churidar with kurti, leggings with a long T-shirt, or a track suit. Avoid skirts that flare too much, jeans, and anything tight at the knees.

Bare Feet

Always practice barefoot. No socks (you'll slip), no shoes (impossible to do tatkar). Your soles will toughen naturally over weeks.

Water Bottle

Kathak is more cardio than it looks. Sip water between exercises — never gulp during chakkars.

2. Strongly Recommended (Within First Month)

A Wall Mirror

A simple full-length mirror (₹500–₹1500) lets you self-correct posture between classes. Place it perpendicular to your camera so you can see yourself and the guru.

Good Front Lighting

Open curtains during day classes. For evening, place a lamp facing you (not behind you). Your guru must see your feet clearly to correct tatkar.

A Notebook and Pen

Write down bols, taals and choreography immediately after class. Memory fades by the next day.

Cushion or Yoga Mat for Floor Sitting

Some warm-ups happen sitting on the floor. A thin yoga mat or cushion saves your back.

3. Ghungroos (Months 2–3)

Once your tatkar is stable, your guru will recommend buying authentic ghungroos. Beginner guidelines:

Quantity: Start with 50–75 bells per ankle. Graduate to 100, then 150, then 200 over years.
Quality: Buy hand-stitched brass ghungroos from Mathura, Banaras or Lucknow. Avoid plastic-strung ones.
Cost: ₹600–₹2500 per pair depending on quality.
Care: Wipe with dry cloth after sweat. Store in a cotton bag.

4. Optional but Lovely

Saraswati or Nataraja photo — to bow before practice. Adds beautiful ritual.
Bluetooth speaker — for richer tabla sound during practice.
Dance journal app — to log practice hours and milestones.
A simple performance outfit — for online recitals (anarkali, lehenga).

5. Things You DON'T Need

Expensive professional camera — phone camera is more than enough.
Studio mirrors all over your room — one is plenty.
200-bell ghungroos on day 1 — your ankles will hate you.
A separate dance room — a corner of any room works.
Designer dance wear — comfortable cotton beats expensive fabric.

6. Setup Tips for Different Spaces

Small apartments: Use the dining room with chairs pushed back. Practice during quieter hours.

Shared homes: Use headphones with mic so you don't disturb family.

Cold climates: Warm your feet first — cold soles bruise faster.

Tropical climates: Use a fan, but never AC directly on your back during chakkars (causes neck cramps).

Total Starter Budget

For a complete beginner setup including class fees for the first month, expect to spend ₹2,500–₹5,000 in India, or $50–$120 abroad. Compare that to a single restaurant meal and you'll see Kathak is one of the most affordable lifelong skills.

Ready, Set, Dance

Now that you know exactly what you need, there is only one thing missing — the right guru. Ghungroo Nritya Sangam offers live online Kathak classes with personal attention, recorded references and a welcoming community. Book your free trial class — bring just yourself and your bare feet.