Kathak:

Kathak is one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance. It is famous for its fast, rhythmic footwork and scintillating pirouettes.

The origin of Kathak is traditionally attributed to the traveling bards of ancient northern India known as Kathakars or storytellers. The term Kathak is derived from the Vedic Sanskrit word Katha which means "story", and Kathakar which means "the one who tells a story", or "to do with stories". Wandering Kathakars communicated stories from the great epics and ancient mythology through dance, songs and music.

Kathak evolved during the Bhakti movement, particularly by incorporating the childhood and stories of the Hindu god Krishna, as well as independently in the courts of north Indian kingdoms.

Kathak performances are traditionally accompanied by Hindustani classical and semi-classical music, using instruments like the tabla, sitar, harmonium, fluit, etc.