KATHAK

Kathak is one of the most important classical dances of India. Kathak is said to be derived from the word katha, meaning “the art of storytelling”. The kathak dance form originated in North India and was very similar to the Bharatnatyam dance form. In ancient India, there were Katha Kars who used to recite and mythological takes to the accompaniment music, mime, and dance. These katha Kars communicate stories through rhythmic foot movements, hand gestures, facial expressions, and eye work. This performing art that incorporates legends from ancient mythology and great Indian epics, especially from the life of Lord Krishna became quite popular in the courts of North Indian kingdoms. Three specific forms of this genre that is three gharanas(schools), which mostly differ in emphasis given to footwork versus acting, are more famous namely, the Jaipur gharana, the Benares gharana, and the Lucknow gharana.