Kathak

Originating from northern India, kathak has gained immense popularity for its sparkling footwork, fast whirling movements and subtle postures. It has the power attract the audience and ability to capture their senses & minds. The word "kathakars, Katha means story and its practitioners being those who told these stories. They told stories from the old legendry literature of Indian soil like Ramayana, Mahabharata and other Puranas.

From literary evidence it appears that in ancient times a class of professional story-tellers recited the epics and the mythological stories with an added element of acting. While reciting they sang, danced and acted. The art was handed down from one generation to the next generation in a hereditary manner as a tradition.

The style developed two major lineages - the Jaipur gharana and the Lucknow gharana. Nowadays, the young artists are making new ways and presenting a new face of kathak by choosing new and relevant subjects. By these brilliant ideas they are giving Kathak a global attention. These new artists are getting more exposure and limelight and it seems very good for the future of kathak.