Jignesh Kalal

Indian classical dance’ is an umbrella term used for various performance arts rooted in religious Hindu musical theatre styles, whose theory and practice can be traced to the Sanskrit text, Natya Shastra.

The number of recognized classical dances range from eight to more, depending on the source and scholar. The Sangeet Natak Academy recognizes eight – Kathak from North India, Manipuri from the North East, Odissi from Orissa, Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu, and Kathakali and Mohiniattam from Kerala. These dances are traditionally regional; all of them include music and recitation in local language or Sanskrit. They represent a unity of core ideas in a diversity of styles, costumes, and expression.

Indian classical dance ought to be part of our school activities. This art form is not only the quintessence of sweetness, beauty, and power of our culture, but it is also a prayer and meditation, attracting divine blessings, happiness, and peace of mind.

Kathak is characterized by intricate footwork and precise rhythmic patterns that the dancer articulates by controlling about 100 ankle bells. It takes its movements from life, stylizes them, and adds the complex rhythmic patterns. Kathak is danced by both males and females; many of the dances convey moods of love.

Kathak is one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance. The origin of Kathak is traditionally attributed to the traveling bards in the of ancient northern India known as Kathakars or storytellers.[1] The term Kathak is derived from the Vedic Sanskrit word Katha which means "story", and Kathakar which means "the one who tells a story", or "to do with stories".