Kathak

Kathak means 'to tell a story'. This north Indian dance form is inextricably bound with classical Hindustani music, and the rhythmic agility of the feet is accompanied by the table or pakhawaj. Traditionally the stories were of Radha and Krishna, in the Natwari style (as it was then called) but the Moghul invasion of North India had a serious impact on the dance. The dance was taken to thus it became more entertaining and less religious in content More emphasis was laid on nritta, the pure dance aspect and less on abhinaya (expression and emotion)

Famous Dancers: Bharati Gupta, Birju Maharaj. Damayanti Joshi, Durga Das, Sambhu Maharaj, Sitara Devi