History of Kathak
KATHAK is one of the eight main genres of ancient Indian classical dance. The word Kathak is derived from the name given to its practitioners, the "Kathakars".
‘Katha’ means story, and its practitioners are those who tell these stories.
This classical dance form from Northern India is known for its dynamic footwork, precise and fast whirling movements, and subtle, evocative abhinaya, or mimetic dance.
Kathak has a long history in the courts of emperors and kings.
The physical technique of Kathak is both sharp and lyrical. A balance
There is even a combination of both linear and circular movements, which makes the form simultaneously sharp and quick as well as melodic and flowing. Emerging through post modern times, many dancers have ventured into exploring new ways of movement and finding their own artistic expression.
There are three main Gharanas, or schools, of Kathak. These schools are named according to the geographical area in which they developed.
These are the Jaipur, Lucknow, and Benares Gharanas. Each has a slight difference in interpretation and repertoire.
RSDC mainly practises the Benares Gharana of Kathak in Shri Gopi Krishna’s style, but at more advanced levels, students are exposed to compositions from all three Gharanas.
Kathak is one of the 8th major forms of Indian classical dance. The origin of Kathak is traditionally attributed to the travelling birds in ancient Northern India known as kathakers, or storytellers. The term Kathak is derived from the Vedic Sanskrit words Katha, which means story, and kathakar, which means the one who tells a story or has to do with stories. Wandering Kathak communicated stories from the great epics and ancient mythology through dance, songs and music. Kathak dancers tell stories with their hand movements and extensive footwork; body moments and flexibility; and, most importantly, facial expressions. It has both the influences of Hindu and Muslim gharana and cultural elements in it. Kathak performances include Bhajan and Urdu ghazals because they are commonly used in both the codes as well as in temples too. Kathak is found in four distinct forms called Gharana, named after the cities where the Kathak dance tradition evolved; they are: Jaipur, Banaras, Lucknow, and Raigarh. Basically,
In Kathak, it emphasis on facial expressions, graceful hand movements, and body language. Stylistically, the Kathak dance form emphasises rhythmic foot moments, adorned with small bells called Ghungroo, and harmonised moments to the music. The legs and torso are generally straight and the story is told through a developed vocabulary based on the gestures of arms and upper body movements, facial expressions, neck moments, eye brow movements, stage moments, bends and turns.
The main focus of the dance becomes the eyes and the feet. The eye works as a medium of communication for the story. The dancer is trying to communicate with eyebrows. The dancer gives various facial expressions. The difference between the sub traditions is the relative emphasis on acting versus footwear.
