An ancient dance form and one of the 8 Classical dances of India, Kathak originated in North India when Kathakars or bards used to recite religious and mythological tales to the accompaniment of music, mime and dance. The name Kathak is derived from the Sanskrit word katha meaning story, and katthaka in Sanskrit means s/he who tells a story, or to do with stories. In the very early days of Indian history the best forms of dance were offered in temples for the glory of God as a religious art born in temples.

Kathak is found in three distinct forms, called "gharanas", named after the cities where the Kathak dance tradition evolved – Jaipur, Banaras and Lucknow. While the Jaipur gharana focuses more on the foot movements, the Banaras and Lucknow gharanas focus more on facial expressions and hand movements.