The Mind Creative SEP 2013
Dance has always been an integral part of Indian culture and Indian classical dance forms have been practiced and preserved diligently through the centuries in their pristine form, presentation and content. However, subtle changes that have taken place over the years in terms of the comparative structure of each dance form and each form has passed through a process of evolution.
Kathak, a popular north Indian classical dance style, has supposedly originated from the nomadic tribes of “Kathakaars” or story tellers. Initially performed as a dance portraying “bhakti” or devotion to the Gods. Later on, under the influence of the Mughal period, the paradigm shifted from religion to court entertainment. It is interesting that the British Raj in India with its strict Victorian outlook, disrespected Kathak as a form of dance primarily because of its supposedly “unwholesome” elements.
The influence of Persian dances is evident in Kathak and the straight-legged stance has its roots in Persian styles. The music in Kathak is almost used as a dialogue between the dancer and the musicians. Many of the pieces are woven around intricate rhythm patterns and always delightfully end in a crescendo which is a treat for the audiences.
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