Kathak dance is considered to be one of the major classical dance forms of India. Fast footwork (tatkar), spins (chakkar) and creative use of Bhav in abhinaya are the traits of this narrative dance form. The recent form of Kathak has drawn inference mainly from the past mythological narratives by `Kathakas`. In Sanskrit Kathaka means `she or he who tells a story, or to do with stories`. The kathakas tradition is a hereditary one.

Today the performing artists of Kathak usually draw illation from the three schools of Kathak. The Jaipur gharana (born in the courts of the Kachwaha Rajput kings), the Lucknow gharana (born in the courts of the Nawab of Oudh) and the Banaras gharana ( born in Varanasi). `Strong rhythmic elements`, `nazakat and khubsurti` and `the natwari bols` are the characteristics of the Jaipur gharana, the Lucknow Gharana and the Benaras gharana respectively.

The range of skills that Kathak dance includes the demonstration of the three phases of life, creation (symbolized by Lord Brahma), preservation (symbolized by Lord Vishnu), and destruction (symbolized by Lord Shiva). Most of the kathak compositions have the `bols` (rhythmic words). The short dance omposition in Kathak is known as `Tukra`. `Chakkarwala Tukra` is a famous type of Tukra. Some compositions of Kathak dance are: `Vandana`, `Thaat`, `Aamad`, `Salaami`, `Gat`, `Kavit`, `Paran`, `Primalu`, `tihai` and `ladi`. `Ghunghroo`, small bells usually ties around the ankles of the performer, which is the integral part of this classical dance form. The costume of the performers has also been modified from past times. The most commonly used costume in kathak dance is a `lehenga-choli combination, with an optional odhni or veil` for women and `Dhoti` for men. The Mughal costume for women is alike to a `chudidaar kameez` and for men it is `Kurta-churidar`.

Kathak dance underwent many changes during the formation of India. The formation has been started from the era of ardent worship of Radha-Krishna. After that when the Mughals came to invade India, this art form got its distinguishable shape and features. The dancers who came from the middle east and the Kathak dancers of India started sharing their dance features with each other. Borrowing ideas eventually led to the implementation and the two completely different dance form marched into each other. Thus a modified dance form has been established as the `link between the Muslim and Hindu culture`.

To name a few kathak dancers of India :
Ioanna Srinivasan - Ioanna Srinivasan has been regarded as one of the most promising talents of the new generation of Kathak dancers.

Lakshmi VN - Ms. Lakshmi VN has been regarded as the blessed Kathak dancer with natural inborn artistic talent.

Manisha Gulyani -- As the best medium of expressing the innermost feelings, Manisha Gulyani turns over Kathak dance.

Najma Ayashah--- Najma Ayashah presents the art form of Kathak with a blend of Gypsy dance and folk dance.

Nalini and Kamalini---- the only duet dancers, Nalini and Kamalini is regarded for their accuracy, clarity and perfection as the skilled choreographer, presentation specialists.

Namita Bodaji --- Apart from being a well-known dancer, Namita Bodaji is an erudite person too.

Priya Pawar--- Priya Pawar has established the first classical Indian dance company solely shaped by dancers trained exclusively in the UK.

Ruby Mishra--- Ruby Mishra, a versatile artist, is also a combination of the traits of a lyrist, singer as well as a choreographer.

Sharmila Sharma---- A prominent Kathak Dancer, Sharmila Sharma was born to a folk musician cum singer father and a Kathak cum folk dancer mother.

Shila Mehta--- Shila Mehta has established her performing art centre named, `Nupur Zankar Academy of Performing Arts and Research Centre`.

Sucharita Datta--- Sucharita Dutta is an eminent Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali and Kuchipudi dancer.

Sudha Chamdra Sekhar--- Sudha Chamdra Sekhar`s dance can be regarded as the symbolization of the combination of `purity and performances` that eventually reached the celestial point.

Uma Dogra--- a noted Kathak Dancer, Uma Dogra has created her own style of dance that has been critically acclaimed all over the world.

Yogini Gandhi--- The name Yogini Gandhi has been regarded as the accumulation of `talent, intellect and beauty`.

Kumudini Lakhia--- Her commitment towards Kathak eventually led her to the celestial point, reaching which has always been a dream for the aspiring dancers.

Pandit Satya Narayana Charka--- Today Pandit Satya Narayana Charka has been recognized as one of the advocator of Indian classical dance Kathak.

Shovana Narayan--- Shovana Narayan as a visionary created a contagious Zest that usually rests on a strong foundation.

Nandini Singh--- Nandini Singh has been regarded as one of the gifted performer in the scenario of Kathak dance.

Saswati Sen--- Saswati Sen is a renowned Kathak Dancer who ranks in the front in the domain of Kathak dance.

Prerana Deshpande--- Prerana Deshpande has been trained under the great tutelage of the maestro Guru Dr. Rohini Bhate and Sharadini Gole.

Guru Kundan Lal Gangani

Rachna Ramya Agrawal