Kathak facts for kids

A Kathak performance

Kathak is a famous classical dance from northern India. It's one of the main traditional dance styles of India. This dance tells stories through movement, footwork, and expressions. It's known for its fast spins and rhythmic footwork.

What is Kathak?

Kathak is a very old dance form. The word "Kathak" comes from the Sanskrit word "Katha," which means "story." So, Kathak dancers are like storytellers! They use their whole body to act out tales, often from ancient Indian myths and legends.

Where Did Kathak Come From?

Kathak began with traveling storytellers in ancient North India. These storytellers, called Kathakars, would perform in temples and villages. They used gestures, songs, and dance to share stories from Hindu scriptures.

Over time, Kathak developed in different ways. During the Mughal Empire period, it became popular in royal courts. Here, it mixed with Persian and Central Asian influences. This led to new styles and costumes.

Main Parts of Kathak Dance

Kathak has three main parts:

• Nritta: This part focuses on pure dance. It shows off amazing footwork and spins. Dancers create complex rhythms with their feet.
• Nritya: This part is about expressing feelings and telling stories. Dancers use hand gestures (called mudras), facial expressions, and body movements.
• Natya: This is the dramatic part. It's when the dancer acts out a whole story or a scene.

Footwork and Spins

One of the most exciting parts of Kathak is the footwork. Dancers wear small bells called ghungroos around their ankles. They tap their feet to create clear, sharp sounds. They can make very fast and complicated rhythms.

Kathak is also famous for its spins, called chakkars. Dancers can spin many times very quickly. It looks amazing and takes a lot of practice!

Hand Gestures and Expressions

Dancers use many hand gestures to show different things. For example, a gesture might mean a flower, a bird, or a god. Their faces are also very important. They use their eyes, eyebrows, and mouth to show emotions like joy, sadness, or anger.

Music and Costumes

Kathak dance is always performed with live music. The main instruments are:

• Tabla: A pair of drums that create the rhythms.
• Harmonium: A keyboard instrument that plays the melody.
• Sarangi: A string instrument that sounds like a human voice.

Kathak Costumes

Kathak dancers wear beautiful costumes. There are two main styles:

• Hindu style: This often includes a long, flowing skirt (lehenga) and a blouse. Dancers also wear a veil over their head.
• Muslim style: This usually features a long dress (anarkali) and a cap or scarf.

Both styles include lots of jewelry, like necklaces, earrings, and bangles. The ghungroos (ankle bells) are a very important part of the costume.

Famous Kathak Dancers

Many talented dancers have helped keep Kathak alive and popular. Some famous names include:

• Shovana Narayan: A well-known dancer who has performed all over the world.
• Nahid Siddiqui: A master of the dance, known for her unique style.

These dancers have taught many students and shared the beauty of Kathak with new generations.

Images for kids

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  Kathak performance by Sharmila Sharma and Rajendra Kumar Gangani at the Guimet Museum (November 2007)

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  Chakkarwala tukra by Richa Jain

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  The expressive (nritya) stage of the Kathak dance, dressed in Hindu costumes.

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  Kathak maestro Nahid Siddiqui, dressed in Muslim costumes.

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  Musical instruments such as tabla and others (left) accompany a Kathak performance.

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  Shovana Narayan, recipient of the Padma Shri for contributions to Indian classical dance

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  Kathak Facial Expressions

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  Kathak Rounds

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  Kathak Rounds

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  Kathak Group Performance

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  Kathak Duet Performance

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  Sushmita Banerjee performing with her students

See also

In Spanish: Kathak para niños