Differences Between Bharatanatyam and Kathak

byChelsi Soni | Choreographer •August 10, 2025

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10 Differences Between Bharatanatyam and Kathak

bharatnatyam and kathak

India is full of colors, music, and dance. Two famous classical dances are Bharatanatyam and Kathak. 🎶💃

They both are beautiful. But they are not the same. They come from different places and look very different. Let’s learn the top 10 differences between them in a fun and simple way! 😊

📍 1. Place of Origin

Bharatanatyam comes from Tamil Nadu in South India.
Kathak comes from Uttar Pradesh in North India.

👗 2. Costume

Bharatanatyam dancers wear silk sarees with fan-shaped pleats.
Kathak dancers wear long frocks (anarkalis) and churidars.

💄 3. Makeup and Jewelry

Bharatanatyam uses heavy temple jewelry and big eye makeup.
Kathak has light jewelry and soft makeup.

🎵 4. Music Style

Bharatanatyam uses Carnatic music (South Indian).
Kathak uses Hindustani music (North Indian).

🦶 5. Footwork

Bharatanatyam footwork is flat, sharp, and strong.
Kathak footwork is fast with turns and spins (called chakkars).

💃 6. Dance Movements

Bharatanatyam has straight hands, bent knees, and strong body lines.
Kathak is flowy, smooth, and full of spins and grace.

👐 7. Use of Hands (Mudras)

Bharatanatyam uses mudras (hand signs) a lot to tell stories.
Kathak also uses hand gestures, but focuses more on expressions and spins.

😃 8. Expressions (Bhava)

Bharatanatyam has strong facial expressions (called Abhinaya).
Kathak uses soft expressions and eye movements.

⛪ 9. Dance Theme

Bharatanatyam tells stories from Hindu Gods like Shiva and Krishna.
Kathak shows both Hindu and Mughal themes like love and kings.

🕰️ 10. History and Time

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest dance forms in India (over 2000 years old!).
Kathak became popular in royal courts during the Mughal time.

📋 Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Bharatanatyam	Kathak
Origin	Tamil Nadu	Uttar Pradesh
Music	Carnatic	Hindustani
Costume	Saree with pleats	Anarkali dress
Style	Strong and sharp	Graceful and spinny
Expressions	Bold and loud	Soft and subtle

🧠 Fun Facts

“Bha-Ra-Ta” in Bharatanatyam stands for Bhava (feelings), Raga (music), and Tala (rhythm)!
Kathak dancers wear ghungroos (ankle bells) to make footwork music!

👶 Can Kids Learn These Dances?

Yes! Many children learn Bharatanatyam and Kathak in dance schools. It helps them:

Know their culture
Improve balance and posture
Build confidence
Have fun while learning!

🎯 Which One Is Better?

Both are amazing! 💖

If you like powerful moves and temple music, choose Bharatanatyam. If you love spins and royal stories, go for Kathak.

🎓 Tips for Beginners

Watch videos of expert dancers
Join a local dance school
Practice daily with soft music
Start with basic steps and enjoy!

📚 Conclusion

Bharatanatyam and Kathak are India’s dance treasures. 🌟

They are different, but both are beautiful. Learning dance helps us feel happy and proud of our culture. So, try dancing today and feel the joy! 🥰💃🕺

🔗 Resources and Citations