India’s Kathak Dance: Past, Present, Future

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All the major dance styles of the Indian subcontinent share a common root system of ethical and aesthetic values. Hence no single style can claim to be ‘purer’ or ‘older’ than any other. Kathak the style that grew, took shape and flourished in the northern regions of the sub-continent – has been misunderstood and misinterpreted on account of ignorance and prejudice from various quarters. This book sets out, therefore, to rectify incorrect perceptions by presenting historical facts and placing Kathak dance in its proper cultural context. The background of the dance is explained in detail; the religious, social and political influences over the centuries are recounted; myth, theory and reality are expounded upon; current trends are described and future possibilities examined; and, not least, the sheer beauty of Kathak is exposed to both the eye and the intellect. This book provides not only information on technique and training but also tells the dance lover what to look for in a typical Kathak performance. It will, indeed, assist the reader better to appreciate and understand a great dance style. The names and addresses of recognized dance schools and teachers, both in India and abroad, will prove useful as will the glossary and bibliography. India’s Kathak Dance: Past, Present, Future is essential reading for all those who wish to be acquainted with India’s immense cultural and artistic achievements.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Reginald Massey

Reginald Massey has studied South Asia’s culture, religions, music, dance, film, history and politics for over fifty years. His books on Indian dance and music are standard works. He has written for leading international journals and has been a Dancing Times critic for over three decades. Leading reference works such as The Encyclopaedia of Dance and Ballet and Everyman’s Encyclopaedia contain his rigorously researched entries. He wrote and produced Bangladesh I Love You, a film starring the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Lament of a Lost Hero and Other Poems, a selection of his verse, chronicles and comments on various aspects of Indian society and politics since independence. In 2002, he was invited by the Edinburgh International Festival to deliver the keynote address to inaugurate the Indian dance season. Born in Lahore, then in British India, he now lives in Wales. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Website: www.reginaldmassey.fsnet.co.uk

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Bibliographic information

Title
India’s Kathak Dance: Past, Present, Future
Author
Edition
1st ed.
Publisher
ISBN
8170173744
Length
viii+148p., Plates; Glossary; Bibliography; Index; 22cm.
Subjects