A Beginner's Guide to Kathak Dance

A short history

The word kathak comes from katha, meaning "story". Kathak began with travelling storytellers (kathakars) in the temples of North India, who illustrated tales from the epics through expression and movement. Over centuries it absorbed Persian aesthetics from the Mughal courts and evolved into the refined, rhythmic classical form we know today, with three principal gharanas (schools): Lucknow, Jaipur and Banaras.

The building blocks

• Tatkar — the foundational footwork. Bells (ghungroo) tied at the ankles turn every step into a percussion instrument.
• Chakkars — the fast, controlled spins Kathak is famous for. Beginners learn to spot, breathe and find their centre before adding speed.
• Hastak & mudras — graceful hand gestures used both decoratively and to tell stories.
• Abhinaya — expressive storytelling through face and body, often set to a thumri or bhajan.
• Bols & tihai — spoken rhythmic syllables. Kathak dancers train their voice alongside their feet.

What to expect in your first class

A typical beginner Kathak class lasts about an hour and starts with a short warm-up and posture work. You'll then learn simple tatkar patterns set to teentaal (a 16-beat rhythmic cycle), explore a few basic spins, and end with a short composition. No experience and no special outfit is required — comfortable clothing you can move in is enough for the first few sessions.

You don't need to be flexible, "musical", or have danced before. The form is built on repetition, listening and patience — qualities anyone can develop.

Ready to try a class?

Dans Sutra runs beginner-friendly Kathak workshops in studio and online throughout the year.