Kathak Dance - Ancient Hindu Traditional dance

Kathak is one of the most important classical dances of India. Kathak is said to be derived from the word katha, meaning "the art of storytelling." The Kathak dance form originated in north India and was very similar to the Bharatnatyam dance form. In ancient India, there were Kathakars or bards who used to recite religious and mythological tales to the accompaniment music, mime and dance.

Kathak dances are performed straight-legged and the ankle bells worn by the dancers are skillfully controlled. In Kathak dance the emphasis is more on footwork as against hasta mudras or hand formations in Bharatnatyam dance. Kathak dance can be performed by both men and women. A Kathak dancer is not required strictly to stick to fixed steps and stages in. He or she can change the sequence of steps to suit his or her skill and style of dancing. Modern exponents of Kathak dance are Birju Maharaj and Uma Sharma.

Musical Instruments Used To Accompany Kathak: 

1. Bansuri
2. Dilruba
3. Esraj
4. Ghungharu
5. Harmonium
6. Pakhawaj
7. Santur
8. Sarangi
9. Sarod
10. Sitar
11. Surmandal
12. Tabla
13. Tanpura

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