Bharatanatyam,
Orissi, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and Manipuri are some of the other Indian
classical dance genres.
Classical dances, like much of traditional Indian culture,
are associated with certain locations; Kathak is largely found in northern
India.
Kathak is said to have developed from Braj's ras lilas,
devotional dances depicting incidents from Krishna's life.
This notion has little historical evidence and may just
represent a desire to enshrine religion in all aspects of Indian culture.
Kathak, on the other hand, developed as an art form in the
northern Indian monarchs' courts, where it was performed for the amusement of
the king and his guests.
Over time, two main Kathak hubs emerged: Jaipur, which is
recognized for its spectacular footwork, and Lucknow, which is noted for its emphasis
on acting.
Kathak is distinguished stylistically by an erect posture
with straight legs.
The dance focuses on quick, rhythmic foot movements, which
are enhanced by bell strings worn on the dancer's ankles and accompanied by
repeated rotations; the body is kept relatively static.
Kathak, like many other forms of Indian dance, has a
well-developed "vocabulary" of facial expressions and arm and hand
movements that enable the dancer to communicate a wide variety of emotions to
the audience.
Mohan Khokar's Traditions of Indian Classical Dance,
published in 1984, has further information.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
