Kathak is not a dance, it is an art and is one of the oldest forms of art in the World. Being one of the seven Classical Indian dances of India, Kathak dance originates from Northern India and has a history since 1550BC, older then any other dance form of today. Kathak dance was born into the Hindu temples in North India. Having started off as a religious and spiritual form of dance it was purely danced in front of statues of Gods.
During the Mughal rule (when muslims from Persia came to rule India) the Mughal Kings brought dancers from Persia and Indian dancers into their court. The Persian dancers were inspired by the Indian art and likewise Indian dancers borrowed elements from Persian dancers to adapt the dance into a more entertaining form of dance.
Over hundreds of years the dance forms evolved and were merged into today's Kathak Dance which is still the only form of dance in the world that is a merge of two cultures although still a very well respected, spiritual and disciplined form of art.
Nikita undertakes her Kathak training under the guidance of Shila Mehta (www.shilamehta.com) in Mumbai. She has also trained under Guru Pratap Pawar (www.pratappawar.com). She has also participated in advanced level dance workshops with the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj, Kumudini Lakhia and Nahid Siddiqui, all renowned Gurus.
More familiar with the Luckow Gharana of the dance form, Nikita now teaches and performs Classical Bollywood dance, which is a more expressive merge Kathak and Bollywood dance.
For more information on training in Nikita's dance style or booking a performance please contact us.