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Kathak, a revered classical dance form, hails from Uttar Pradesh and is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage. Recognized as an Indian classical dance, Kathak’s beauty lies in its intricate blend of storytelling, rhythmic footwork, and expressive gestures, all passed down through generations via the Guru-Shishya Parampara (teacher-disciple tradition).
Origin of Kathak
The word “Kathak” is derived from “Katha,” meaning “story,” and “Kathakar,” meaning “storyteller.” Historically, wandering Kathakars would narrate tales from ancient epics and mythologies through dance, music, and song. This tradition evolved during the Bhakti movement, incorporating stories of Lord Krishna, particularly his playful and divine interactions with Radha and the Gopis.
History of Kathak
Kathak During the Bhakti Movement: Kathak began as a devotional expression centered on Lord Krishna. Originating in Varanasi, it spread across North India, with the Lucknow Gharana tracing its roots to a divine vision where Lord Krishna instructed a devotee, Ishwari, to develop dance as a form of worship.
Kathak in the Mughal Era: The Mughal invasion brought significant influence to Kathak, transforming it into a sophisticated court entertainment. This era introduced Persian elements into the dance, making it the only classical Indian dance form to blend Hindu and Persian cultures.
Kathak During the British Raj: Under British rule, Kathak faced decline due to its association with Hinduism. The British viewed its expressive gestures as seductive, threatening the dance’s cultural legacy.
Elements of Kathak
As outlined in the Natyashastra, Kathak performances integrate three core elements:
- Nritta: The technical, rhythm-focused aspect of the dance.
- Nritya: The expressive component, conveying emotions and spiritual themes.
- Natya: The narrative aspect, where dancers embody specific characters and stories.
Kathak Gharanas
Kathak has three main Gharanas: Banaras, Lucknow, and Jaipur, each named after the city where it flourished. While Jaipur Gharana emphasizes footwork, Banaras, and Lucknow focus on facial expressions and graceful hand movements. Kathak dancers, adorned with Ghungroos, use their eyes and feet to narrate stories, making the dance both visually and emotionally captivating.
Costumes of Kathak
Kathak costumes vary, reflecting Hindu and Muslim cultural influences. Female dancers might wear a sari or a full skirt, paired with a choli and a scarf, adorned with gold jewelry. Male performers often wear a silk dhoti or kurta-churidar, sometimes with an angarkha, and simpler jewelry.
Music and Instruments
A Kathak performance is often accompanied by instruments like the Tabla, Harmonium, and Sarangi, which complement the dancer’s rhythmic footwork and enhance the overall experience. Dhrupad, one of India’s ancient music genres, is commonly used to intensify the performance.
At Nritya Bhoomi Studio in Austin, TX, we embrace the rich tradition of Kathak, offering classes that immerse students in the art form’s history, techniques, and expressive beauty. Join us to explore the joy and depth of Kathak, guided by the direct learnings from legendary maestros.
