Native to North India, Kathak (pronounced “Kah-thak”) is one of eight Indian classical dance forms. The term Kathak is derived from the Vedic Sanskrit word Katha which means “story”, and Kathakaar which means “the one who tells a story”, or “to do with stories”. Kathak is found in three distinct forms, called “gharanas”, named after the cities, where the Kathak dance tradition evolved – Jaipur, Banaras and Lucknow. While the Jaipur gharana focuses more on the foot movements, the Banaras and Lucknow gharanas focus more on facial expressions and graceful hand movements. Stylistically, the Kathak dance form emphasizes rhythmic foot movements, adorned with small bells (Ghungroo) and the movement harmonized to the music.

The north Indian Kathak dance differs from the south Indian Bharatanatyam in several ways, even though both have roots in the Hindu text Natya Shastra. Kathak expressions – particularly in Hindu devotional styles – are more introverted and withdrawn, while Bharatanatyam is more extroverted and expansive. Kathak is normally performed in a standing form with legs and torso typically straight, while Bharatanatyam extensively utilizes bent knee form (aramandi, half sitting position that is somewhat like Demi Plié ballet move)