Kathak is the predominant dance of north India. This form of dance gets its name from the word "Katha" (story), since it originated from the devotional recitation of the storytellers or Kathakars who were attached to the temples.
Kathak was initially performed in the temples, in praise of the Lord. With the advent of Mughals, Kathak was introduced in the King's durbar, thus moving this art from devotion to entertainment. The influence of the Mughals is evident in the costumes designed for the performance.
 Kathak has two major techniques. They are Nritha, meaning pure dance, and Abhinaya, meaning expressions. The predominant styles of the dance are the intricate footwork and rapid pirouettes. The typical Kathak costume resembles the Mughal miniature paintings. This form of dance is performed by both men and women. |
