This semester I continued to learn about researching and writing. One assignment was to pick a topic of my choice, write a thesis statement, and use credible sources to write a research essay. I chose Kathak because it meant so much to me as a dancer, and I wanted to learn more about it. I discovered so many interesting things about this dance form, and I wanted to share them with you.
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Kathak is a classical dance form that originated in northern India, specifically in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. It has spread through many countries, and in its traditional form tells a story through hand gestures and bells worn around the ankle. Over time, Kathak evolved to incorporate different cultures and dance forms as well.
To be a whole, Kathak must have certain elements. One of those elements are mudras. Mudras are the positions that you make with your hands when dancing. These are a key part of Kathak, because the different mudras tell different stories3,4, and many dance storylines are based on tales from Hindu epics and mythology. If you use the wrong mudras while dancing, it can tell an entirely different story than what was intended.
Another element of Kathak are ghungroos. Ghungroos are a line of bells, usually brass, that are woven onto a thick rope. These bells are then tied firmly around the ankle. These ghungroos serve as the dancer’s own percussion, keeping the beat for them as they dance. They are also treated with respect, and before the dancer ties them around her ankles, she thanks them.
Although Kathak originated in India, it spread throughout many other countries, including Nepal, a small country sandwiched between India and Tibet. The dance came to Nepal by way of traveling bards from India, who told their story through song and dance1. This dance form eventually spread through the country.
Over time, Kathak has changed, entwining with other cultures and dance forms to something that is a beautiful multi-cultural mix of music, dance, and culture. It has mixes of different storylines and tatkars (footwork patterns) from Persia, cultural influences from many different religions such as Islam and Hinduism2, and in Nepal, has even combined traditional village dances too, to create something unique and special.
Kathak is a dance form that incorporates several different elements, including mudras and ghungroos. It has mixed with several different cultures, religions, and traditions, and has spread throughout many countries, one of which is Nepal. Today, Kathak is taught in India, Nepal, and many other places across the globe.
1:https://english.nepalnews.com/s/entertainment-lifestyle/kathak-in-kathmandu
2:https://liberalarts.dpu.edu.in/blogs/the-evolution-of-kathak-from-ancient-roots-to-modern-expression
Your Kathak dancing videos are amazing, send some more! You will have to teach Cormac some moves
Thank you! I will-he’ll have so much fun.
Your dancing is just spectacular.
Such a beautiful dance style. Thank you for your wonderful explanation of its origins and customs Ada!