The story of Kathak begins in ancient times with the performances of professional story-tellers called kathak, derived from katha, meaning "story". They recited or sang stories from epics and mythology with some elements of dance. The traditions of the kathakas were hereditary, and dances passed from generation to generation.

Thanks!  Farah Shaikh - Kathak Dancer for her beautiful picture.

During the Mughal reign in India, Kathak went through its greatest transformation. Mughal emperors and princes sent for dancers, musicians and other entertainers from Persia and Central Asia for entertainment in their courts. Eventually, South Asian dancers found themselves along side these Persian and Central Asian dancers and were heavily influenced by their dance styles. Pakistan thus became a dance fusion laboratory during Muslim rule.

Kathak is not only focused on storytelling; it is also a highly mathematical dance, based on rhythmic patterns set against a musical cycle of sixteen beats. Fast movements countered with sudden stillness are important to this form, as is complex footwork—dancers often wear ankle bells, their feet becoming another instrument. Performers must focus on telling the story with their bodies and faces while keeping close time with the music itself. This dance style consists of three main aspects: drama, mood, and sentiment and pure dance technique.  Elements of Kathak include fast pirouettes (spins), linear and circular extensions of the body, controlled hand and body movements and intricate, rhythmic footwork.