KATHAK... #17 Sketchbook project.

The word Kathak is originated from the word Katha which means storytelling and this classical dance mainly flourished in Uttar Pradesh. Traditionally this dance was more religious in nature, typically narrating the stories of Radha and Krishna.

Kathak dance is mainly done in three parts which are an invocation, ‘Nritta’, ‘Nritya’.

In this classical dance form, particular attention given to the foot stroke and roaming.
The dancer performs with musical beats, which completely synchronizes his footwork sequences thus creating a musical voice with the ankle bells, and usually with a sharp turn of the head impresses the mark completion of the series.

As Kathak is popular both in Hindu and Muslim communities.
The costume comprises of a long kurta (angarakha) worn over a churidar or pajama , and a veil ( dupatta worn from the head which flows down) e.g. the dress worn by Rekha in umrao jaan and Madhubala in the song jab pyaar kiya (Mughal-e-Azam).
Some of them also prefer to wear a ghagra-choli e.g. Madhuri Dixit in Devdas (kahe chedh mohe). The men usually wear a long kurta over dhoti.

A Kathak performance may include a dozen classical instruments depending more on the effect and depth required for a particular performance. However, some instruments are typically used in a Kathak performance like the tabla that harmonizes well with the rhythmic foot movements of the dancer and often imitates the sound of such footwork movements or vice-versa to create a brilliant jugalbandi. A manjira that is hand cymbals and sarangi or harmonium are also used most often.