THE JAIPUR GHARANA OF KATHAK

A hundred and fifty years ago a family of kathaks settled in Jaipur and from them emerged the Jaipur school of Kathak.

Kathak has a duel aspect of presentation "Nritta and Nrittya" or the "Tandava and Lasya". Nritta is pure dance, technically intricate combinations of "bols", forming pieces of dance, complete in themselves within the frame work of a time measure the "Taal".

The Jaipur school of Kathak emphasizes the Nritta. Sheer skill, Technique, and Speed, and is characterized by precise pieces of dance, Jumps, Pirouettes, Dexterous footwork leading to graceful, fluid rhythmic wizardry. The outstanding feature of the Jaipur Gharana is the predominance of Veer Ras, strong powerful movements executed with grace and finesse

The other aspect of the dance is the "Nrittya" or "Lasya ang", which is Abhinay poetry in action where the aesthetic appeal is brought out through subtle facial expressions mime and action.

Padhant, recitation of the dance syllables in the framework of its metric cycle, with correct mnemonic emphasis is an important part of the dance.

Interestingly the Jaipur school of Kathak was patronized by the Rajputs (Rajasthan) a brave warrior race who wanted, even their entertainment to inspire them to bravery, encourage them to be strong and courageous, hence the Jaipur Kathak is pure energy in its presentation. It is devoid of effeminacy.