Sandip Mallick with the participants in Ranchi on Wednesday. (Hardeep Singh)

Ranchi, March 23: The air reverberated with music, as 50 budding talents from the state capital picked up the finer nuances of Kathak at a five-day workshop that kicked off at Jharkhand Kala Mandir, Morabadi, today.

The state art and culture department is hosting the event, the entry to which is free. Day One saw a large number of youngsters in the age group of 10 to 20 tying ghungroos on their ankles and picking up the steps from Calcutta-based Kathak dancer Sandip Mallick — a disciple of Pandit Birju Maharaj — who is conducting the workshop.

Mallick, who is in the city for the first time, said he was pleased with the registered participants, who had been keenly following his steps. Clarity of movements, rhythm and footwork are the most important features of this traditional dance form, he added. “We are also trying to explore the scientific ways of making maximum use of the space available to us during performances,” said Mallick, who has performed in the US, Germany, Italy and Spain.

He, however, rued the step-motherly treatment that is often meted out to Kathak globally. “The main aim of conducting such workshops is to reach out to all those who are willing to learn this dance form and join hands to promote it,” Mallick said.

Echoing Mallick, administrator of Jharkhand Kala Mandir Kumar Anand said: “We will continue conducting these workshops and hope to rope in well-known dancers from outside. This is one of the best ways to promote our Indian culture, especially among the younger generation,” he said.

The participants, most of who are from local schools, appreciated the art and culture department’s move.

“We are privileged to be a part of this workshop, where we are receiving valuable tips from Sandip Mallick,” said Anusha Suman, a student of Delhi Public School.