The word kathak means “to tell a story”. The story of Kathak begins in ancient times with the performances of professional story-tellers, this community of artists known as Kathakars narrated stories in temples of North India. The movement of hands and body as well as facial expressions used by the Kathakars to enrich the narrative, has given birth to Kathak. The dance form was enriched in the Mughal era – the subtlety of movements, intricate rhythm and breathtaking pirouettes increased. Today, the story-telling aspect has been downgraded and the dance is primarily an abstract exploration of rhythm and movement. The footwork is matched by the accompanying percussion instruments such as tabla and pakhawaj, and the dancer and percussionists often indulge in a virtuoso display of rhythmic wizardry.