1. |
The main
feature of this style is telling stories by means of dance. The stories that were
initially performed in Kathak were primarily based on Hindu mythology often with themes
involving Lord Krishna and Radha, the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha. |
2. |
This form of
dance is the fusion of Hindu and Muslim cultures . It is believed to have tries to
Flamenco and gypsy tradition in Spain and as well as various North Indian folk dances. |
3. |
Kathak
performances consist of two parts Nritta and Nritya. The former is more technical part. It
is an abstract dance with a tremendous sense of rhythmic and joy of movement. The second
part of Kathak performance is called Nritya, that means abhinaya which is the explanation
of a story or a song through facial expression, gestures of the hands and symbolic
postures of the body. |
4. |
During the time
of Mughals, Kathak was performed by Tavaif, who were females. |
5. |
A traditional
performance of kathak is performed by a solo dancer dressed in a Persian costume. |
6. |
The technique
of Kathak is characterized by its fast rhythmic footwork set to complex time cycles. The
dancers wear upto zoo bells on each ankle. |
7. |
The dance form
is distinguished by an upright stance with knees straight. The upper body movements are
fluid and subtle. |
8. |
Lucknow,
Banaras, Jaipur are recognizes as the three schools or gharanas where this art was
nurtured and where the interpretative and rhythmic aspects were refined to a high
standard. |
9. |
Today the
maestros of this dance form include pandit Birju Maharaj and Uma sharma |
