A series of posts on unique dance styles.
A beautiful, graceful dance style I learnt as a kid. Love dancing on rhythms.
KATHAK – Indian classical dance. Origin of Kathak is a tradition of traveling bards in ancient India, called ‘Kathakars‘ (story-tellers). Wandering Kathakars told stories from ancient mythology through dance, songs, music. Similar to early Greek theatre.
Kathak dancers recite tales with hand movements, footwork. Most importantly, facial expressions. Origin in 3 distinct forms, called ‘Gharanas‘, named after cities where Kathak evolved – Jaipur, Varanasi, Lucknow. Stylistically, Kathak emphasises rhythmic foot movements adorned with small bells, called ‘Ghungroo’.