The literal meaning of Kathak would be, to narrate a story with dance. It came into existence when there was no other form of entertainment.�During ancient years, in north of India, a particular group of wandering artists would entertain people with this form of art.�As years went by Kathak got more and more refined as it got appreciation from the Mughal emperors.�As a result, mughal dressing style has influenced the costumes of Kathak dancers.

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This is one of the unique dance forms that give more significance to feet movements than hand movements.�The hands do have enough movements as per the beats however the intricacy of Kathak lies in the feet movements.�The fine expressions on the face and by hands are what keep the viewers mesmerized and connected to the dance.�The music or the beats to which Kathak is performed also has an important role in keeping the viewer interested.

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Kathak stories revolve mostly around Indian epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata or around Radha Krishna.�This has helped in keeping the current generation attached to their roots.�

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Basically, Kathak can be presented according to the styles of three different Gharanas - Beneras, Jaipur and Lucknow Gharanas.�There are some variations found between all these Gharanas.�The influence of Hindu tradition is seen in Jaipur Gharana, whereas Lucknow Gharana reflects Mughal tradition and the Benaras Gharana is an amalgamation of both. Apart from other Kathak gurus, today Birju Maharaj has maintained the popularity of Lucknow Gharana, Jaipur Gharana by Nandini Singh and Srimati Sunayana Hazarilal represents Benaras Gharana.