LUCKNOW, May 16 -- For many participants who tied their ghungroos and stepped into the summer workshop which began at Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan on Thursday, the experience is a chance to reconnect with childhood dreams and long-forgotten passions. While some are learning tatkar (footwork patterns) and mudras (hand gestures) from scratch, others are using the workshop to hone their skills.

Vaishnavi (19), who works in a credit card department, said she had been drawn to the sound of tatkar and ghungroos since childhood. "Music is in my blood as my grandfather used to play the flute, which inspired me to pursue it as a hobby. Despite a hectic work schedule, I am learning Kathak and living my childhood dream," she said.

Yoga trainer An...