Become a powerful storyteller through Kathak.

Kathak: A storytelling tool.

The story of Kathak traces its history back to 400 BC. ‘Katha’, which means story, is the essence of the art form. The dance form was initially started in temples and later moved to the palaces of the Mughal emperors. It is a powerful tool for storytelling that was and still is used to create and tell stories.

We are stories:

It is fascinating that kathak means a storyteller in Sanskrit. The dance form seeks to fully embody that we as humans are stories and each of our stories is powerful. ‘Kathakars’ used this form of dance to create a deep connection with their audience.

Expressing joy, sadness, jealousy, fear, compassion, the emotions that connect us. These emotions are a common thread that runs through humans and kathak brings these human emotions together to tell a story. This form of storytelling can be utilized in our everyday life through expressive communication. Kathak teaches us to expressively communicate and tell a story.

Kathak has a role to play in expressive communication:

This expressive communication plays an important role in our day-to-day life and kathak fosters this type of communication with us. Kathak aspires to connect us at a higher level of emotion while dancing. The intricate footwork, rhythmic patterns along with hand gestures are extremely expressive. It teaches us that we as humans are made to be expressive, communicating our emotions, ideas, and thoughts to the audience. This expressive art form acts as an outlet that brings to life the inner child who loves to be creative and expressive.

Creative communicative elements in kathak:

Each creative element in kathak expresses a creative communicative element bringing the story to life. Creativity is a key ingredient in expressive communication. Body language and gestures play an important role while communicating. The intricate expressions for eg (eye movement) are used to communicate either surprise or sadness. This cognizance of the intricate details within kathak creates a depth in understanding and expressing oneself.

Connecting with your inner child:

Kathak is essentially spiritual and sensual — Shovana Naranyan

Kathak creates a connection with oneself and others. Kathak taps into the inner child that yearns to be expressive. It also teaches us to tell stories and that we are stories that need to be expressed. This art form creates a common ground that connects us and makes us feel we are all on the same boat. Where we can learn and inspire each other from our stories.