Kathak
Kathak is one of the 8 major forms of Indian classical dance. This dance form was originally attributed to ancient northern India known as kathakars or storytellers.
Kathak is a Sanskrit word derived from two letters where Katha means ” story” and kathak which means” the one who tells a story”.Stories from great epics are communicated through dance songs and music.
Natya sastra is the root of Khatak and is attributed to the sage Bharata. Text-based analysis indicates Kathak is an ancient Indian classical dance form that probably originated in Banaras or Varanasi and spread its wings in Jaipur.
This dance form focuses on the legends of Lord Krishna and his eternal love Radha found in Bhagavata Puranas which spectacularly performed by the kathak dancers.
Kathak bestows emphasis on poses, expressions, grace, hand, eye and body movements, and footwork. The pure dance is called a nritta, while expressive dance is natya..
This dance form is also unusual for it is seen in both Hindu and Moghul styles. The luck now the style is characterized by graceful movements, elegance, and natural poise with Abinaya’s concern for movement shape and creative improvisions are the hallmarks of the style. Birju Maharaj is contemplated as the chief representative of this Gharana.
The ensemble of musical instruments differs from any Kathak Performer, ranging from 2 to 12 classical instruments. The most common instruments are tabla, pair of hand drums, that sync with dancers’ feet rhythms, sarangi or harmonium with manijira that meters the tal add effect, depth to the expressive stage of a Kathak performance.
This dance represents the conflict between God and the devil. As kathak encompasses a lot of other dance forms and that has started combining with the kathak dance form so well. we have many other dance styles like Kathak Contemporary, kathak Belly etc.
