Kathak: Indian Classical Dance

            Kathak is one of the eight types of classical dances from India. Kathak is so named as it is derived from the Sanskrit word katha, meaning story (Ranjana Phadke). It can be traced to ancient north India where the nomads were during the 5th century (India’s Kathak Dance Past, Present, Future). It derived from the dance dramas of northern India and was often accompanied by Hindustani classical music, although, several Kathak compositions have been done with music from all around the world (inSync Kathak). At first, it “was very similar to the Bharatanatyam”, another classical Indian dance, but was soon significantly influenced by the Persians and Muslims, creating “a distinct Hindu-Muslim texture” (Tarang). What began in temples as a praise to lord shifted to the royal courts to perform for the king and his court members. This dance is very cultural and is based upon the Hindu culture, traditions, and deities. Kathak, is an Indian classical dance that works as a method of communication between the individual dancers, the musicians, and the audience.