Kathak stylistic Features Research

 Origins of Kathak and Kathakars

Where does it come from?

Kathak dance is a form of Indian classical dance from Uttar Pradesh.

Where was it originally performed?

The origin of Kathak is traditionally attributed to the traveling bards in ancient northern India Known as Kathakars storytellers. These performances would usually occur in palaces and temples in which they would recite or sing stories from epics and mythology with some elements of dance.

Comparison to Western Classical Ballet

When it comes to western classical ballet and Kathak they share some similar stylistic feature but also are quite different. For example, one stylistic feature that they share is an upright posture which allows their bodies to be open and seen throughout the dance, and this is seen both in Kathak and western classical ballet. Other examples of stylistic features that both styles of dance share are sustained flexible fluidity and importance of the eyes/ direction of focus.

However when it comes to some elements that western classical ballet and Kathak do not share are things like sudden sharp movements. This is something that can be seen in Kathak dance however not seen in classical ballet as ballet like to use smooth and gentle moves over sudden and sharp movements. Other stylistic features that they do not share are things like having a close relationship between dance and time cycles of the music and percussion (Seen in Kathak dance) and rhythmic dexterity, emphasised by ankle bells (Seen in Kathak dance).

Stylistic features of Kathak dance Mudras -

Bols - Rythmic spoken words that act as counts in the dance

Ta - one

Ta ka- two

Ta ka de -three

Ta ka de me - four

Ghunguru -  bells that are strung together that are tied to the feet (a musical anklet)

Mudras- Hand gestures

Tatkar - Percussive footwork

these are performed using the aid of the anklets and follow a similar beat to the bols and are sometimes aided by bols when being performed.

Chakars - Spins which are generally executed on the heel, these differ from ballets pirouettes

Chakars can be done on the spot along with moving around, a video is linked below as an example of what they look like.