Kathak

Kathak Dr. Neeloffer Mookherjee ...........more Teacher & Choreographer for Kathak and Indian Folk Dances Kathak is a major form of classical dance from North India. The name is derived from the word Katha or story.  It is one of the seven classical dance forms from India. Kathak is characterized by cyclic patterns of rhythms, fast whirling movements or Chakkar and subtle mimetic dance or Abhinaya.  Intricate footwork and precise rhythmic patterns is communicated by the dancer by controlling the sounds of the ankle bells in unison with percussion and music. The hallmark of this dance form is the union of sophisticated grace along with complex rhythmic patterns and footwork. Kathak dance started as an ancient art of depicting Indian mythology and ancient scriptures by the nomadic bards known as Kathakaars (story tellers) from Rajasthan. These dancers would recite and depict Indian Hindu mythology as a form of a temple dance. However, this dance form went through a transformation during the 15th century with the establishment of the Mughal Empire in India. Kathak went from the temples to the courts of the Royal kings, as a form of entertainment. Today this dance is a beautiful example of the co-existence and evolution of the Hindu and Muslim traditions in India. The evolution of Kathak in history was influenced by both the Hindu and Muslim traditions. It flourished under the patronage of Hindu kings in Rajasthan and other princely states, as well as by the patronage of the Mughal Empire. This is reflected by the fact that this dance has developed into two major lineages – primarily the Jaipur Gharana (school) and the Lucknow Gharana. There is a third important school known as Benaras Gharana. The different schools of thought or Gharanas have evolved from the same foundation and follow the same basic principles of rhythm and movement. The differences between these Gharanas are reflected only by highly trained accomplished dancers who are able to communicate the subtle differences in these traditions influenced by the place (as depicted by the name), time period as well as the religious influences during its evolution.