Kathak: Just a dance?

कथा कहे सो, कथक कहावे।'

This quote emphasizes the fact that Kathak is essentially the art of weaving a story or put it other way, a form of dance to express story along with its sentiments. The beauty of Kathak lies in its combination of delicate nuances and strong rhythmic footwork of the dance. Kathak aesthetically derives its movements from life around us, stylizes them and involves complex rhythmic patterns in its compositions. The gorgeous costumes, expansive gestures, movement of eyes and eyebrows, and graceful pirouettes make Kathak unique in its way. To dance is to heal, to speak in the language of emotions and embrace most sacred depths of soul. The movement of the dancers tells a deep and moving saga straight to the heart. Classical dance is the narration of that magical story with historical context, cultural artefacts hence having an element of representation of nation, culture, and our identities and not just dance itself. One of the most startling focuses in Kathak is sharpness in the eyes and the diverse foot movements. Working as a medium of communication of the story the dancer narrates various his/ her dance, with eyebrows giving various facial expressions.

Kathak is one of the many ancient dances of India that portrays many myths, folks, and legends. This dance form delineates its origin in North India. The roots of this dance form trace back to Sanskrit and Hindu texts on performing arts called ‘Natya Shastra’. This book describes various theories of Indian classical dances including the Tandava dance of Lord Shiva, methods of acting, standing postures, gestures, basic steps, bhava, and rasa theory(s). Kathak is believed to have evolved extensively during the Bhakti movement, particularly by incorporating the childhood and stories of the Hindu god Krishna, as well as independently in the courts of north Indian kingdoms. Another aspect that makes Kathak unique is its blend of cultures. Kathak does not only comprise myths and tales of Hindu mythology, but it also showcases Muslim cultures, making it a confluence of diverse legacies.

"The roots of this dance form trace back mainly to ‘Natya Shastra’ … Kathak is believed to have evolved extensively during the Bhakti movement, particularly by incorporating the childhood and stories of the Hindu god Krishna, as well as independently in the courts of north Indian kingdoms."

Characterized into three distinct styles/schools of thought called 'gharanas'– Jaipur, Banaras, and Lucknow, Kathak as a performing art has evolved from an oral tradition, innovatively across generations through practice. It transitioned, adapted, and integrated the tastes of the Mughal courts in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly by Akbar, but stagnated and went into decline during the British colonial era. Then was reborn as India gained independence and sought to rediscover its ancient roots and a sense of national identity through the arts.

Admittedly, if Kathak is an ancient dance well known for its beauty to the human eye, it’s far more interesting to see how Kathak help its practioneers, as individuals, to improve in themselves? How does Kathak, help one to believe in thyself and gain confidence? How does Kathak bring out the best in us? Well, Indian classical dances solve dual purpose of being connected at mind and soul while being extremely traditional; thus as a form of communication bringing out the innermost feelings and at the same time depicting the cultural aspects of a civilization. Beyond enjoyment, all art aims to realize self-actualization, realities and experience true liberation.

Being a Kathak student, I feel how dance has an extremely positive impact on our physical health. It acts as a stimulus that affects the body in its entirety. The fast footwork helps to release anger and tension. The ‘thaat' performed in this dance form includes therapeutic torso movements and it is often used for various treatment purpose, beyond just a form of physical exercise. Kathak gives learners an undulating soft appearance, proper body control, and peace of mind.

“The ‘thaat' performed in this dance form includes therapeutic torso movements and it is often used for various treatment purpose, beyond just a form of physical exercise.”

The general advantages of dance, i.e. it bolsters physical health by helping to prevent falls, improve posture and flexibility, lift mood, and ease anxiety just adds to Kathak too. These forms help to sharpen the mind, increases aerobic power and strength, builds social bonds, and can reduce pain and stiffness. Classical Dance not only makes you physically stronger but also helps you to improve facial expressions. 'Abhinaya', or the art of facial expressions, is an important element of Kathak and all forms of Indian classical dances.

At the performing level, how Kathak impacts therapeutic movements in body via its movements, body balancing, expressions, muscle movement, muscle contraction and relaxation can’t be ignored. Stage fear is something many teenagers and even adults battle with, Kathak can help one improve and overcome this fear. Not only this, but indecisiveness is also a common issue among adolescents. Kathak might indirectly help the learner to increase their ability to focus and choose best out of alternatives. Teamwork is one of the principal teachings of Kathak, as it involves performing on live music and sometimes in a group. For a performance to be successful, each member must put in an equal amount of effort.

And in the end, the most consequential thing Kathak teaches its practioneers is to keep calm and smile through it all!

By: Aditri Sarangi

(Senior Diploma degree in Kathak from Prayaag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad | DPS Sector-45 Gurugram high-school student | Kathak training pursing under Ms. Shobhna since 5+ years)

Co-edited by Shobhna Jha Kathak Studio (Creative Writing and Editorials) Team.

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