Kathak Classes in North Bethesda, Maryland

About Kathak

Kathak is one of the eight classical dance forms of India, originating in the temples and royal courts of Uttar Pradesh in northern India where Kathakas — hereditary storytellers — used dance, music, and gesture to narrate stories from Hindu mythology and the great epics. The name derives from Katha, the Sanskrit word for story. Distinguished by extraordinary precision footwork amplified by jingling ghungroo ankle bells, dazzling rapid pirouettes called chakkar, expressive storytelling through a sophisticated system of hand gestures (mudras) and facial expressions (abhinaya), and a deeply sophisticated relationship with Hindustani classical music and poetry, Kathak is among the most technically demanding and artistically rich performing arts in the world. Two principal schools — the lyrical Lucknow gharana and the vigorous Jaipur gharana — carry distinct stylistic lineages. Kathak academies are found throughout the United States welcoming students of all backgrounds into this extraordinary and ancient living tradition. Find Kathak dance classes near you.