Taal Dance

Kathak is an Indian classical dance. It is mainly based on fast spins (chakkars), rhythmic footwork (tatkaar), beautiful poses and storytelling. Kathak has a great history. Literal meaning of Kathak is story-teller. In ancient times these story-tellers were specially appointed in temples for narrating Lord Krishna's stories from Ramayana and Mahabharat along with singing and dancing. The dance presented by these people is known as 'Kathak'.

 

In Mughal period this dance style has undergone through various social, political situations which has changed its original form. In this era, Kathak was transformed from temple dance into a court dance. The costume was also changed according to Mughal taste. The style which developed under mughal influence is known as Lucknow Gharana. The original form of Kathak in the courts of Hindu kings is known as Jaipur Gharana.

 

Jaipur, Lucknow and Banaras are three major schools or gharanas of Kathak Dance.