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Indian dance has four main styles: Bharata Natyam, Kathak, Kathakali
and Manipuri. The Kathak dance derives its name from the community
of Kathaks, who are custodians of the art. It is from this house (ghar)
or family that this form has taken its origin. The words Kathak and
Kathakali are derived from katha meaning storytelling and kali
meaning play. Kathak – storytelling and Kathakali – story play. The
Kathak dance style was founded by the master Maharaj Binda Din.
Kathak dancing performed by a dancer who stands and moves about and
lasya (the aspect) in which the dancer kneels or remains immobile
the whole time except for the (gat) a descriptive passage, performed
in a gentle rhythm and tells stories with his expressive powers
only, with his face and hands. It is astonishing what enchantment
such a dancer can weave.
Then we get the tremendous melodramatic Kathakali. On the physical side the
dancer must have perfect control of his body and limbs, which is achieved at
least 12 years of study. Special massage is given to the feet. The Kathakali
technique of using the face expression is a pure marvel of accomplishment. Some
ancient masters of this dance have such control of their facial muscles that
they can laugh with one side and cry with the other. Every Kathakali must be
master of both tandava (vigorous masculine style at changing from one style to
another). Lasya is divided into two categories; one suitable for men (for
presenting love scenes, displays of sympathy and sentimed and so on) and the
other for women who take female roles. Therefore women may study Kathakali but
not take part in the pure dance drama which is too vigorous and difficult for
them. It is therefore understood that Indian dancing is not just physical
movements of hands and legs. It is a form of physical art with body and mind for
both men and women alike as well as a form of worship to the Almighty Divine
Gods.
“KATHAK” derives from the word ‘Katha’ or story-telling. Kathak as a dance form
is the essence of the eternal story of life. Originating in the unending green
of the Indo-Gangetic plain of India, Kathak found its way from the divine arches
and courtyards of temples to the gorgeous courtrooms of Kings and Royal Nobles.
Over the years, Kathak has imbibed the serenity as well as the opulent grandeur
of Indian civilization. It is the most popular, open-ended Indian classical
dance style with considerable scope for improvisation.
It was under the tutelage of the last Nawab or ruler of Oudh, Nawab Wajid Ali
Shah, a well-known lover of art and culture, that Kathak of Lucknow “Gharana” or
style witnessed its most creative development. This also imparted a unique
character to Kathak, making it the only classical style which has been
influenced both by Hindu and Islamic traditions. Its themes are both devotional
as well as secular.
The rich and varied traditions of this dance have been further enriched in
recent times by a succession of eminent “gurus” and artistes who have left their
stamp on the dance form
A typical Kathak recital comprises of nritt (pure dance or technicalities),
nritya (representational items) and natya (drama).
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