Rosy Constanti Unit 13 Dance Technique and Unit 14 Dance Performance

 

  Kathak Dance  The word Kathak derives from Sanskrit - where Katha means story. This dance form originated in ancient northern India - and the poets and performers who recited and sang epics, stories, and mythology were known as Kathakas, meaning storytellers.  It was originally performed in temples and palaces and was very encouraged and celebrated in the royal court - poetry was combined with rhythmic movements to portray stories from Hindu scriptures. Nomadic poets brought it all around the country, and it became more theatrical and emotional over time as it grew.  Comparison to Western Ballet There are many similarities between Kathak and Ballet. Both are very technical and require extensive training from a young age and many years of practice to become professional. Both styles are made up of codified steps and are centred around an upright posture, and there is a focus on the upper body such as the head, chest and arms. However, Kathak is more rhythmically focused and grounded,

 

 Positions of the feet Breath to initiate movement and contractions Range of movement of the spine   Relationship to gravity Floor work Contact work and trust