London

What is it?
A classical form of dance, originally from northern India. It is notable for its fast footwork (tatkar) and spins (chakkar). Dating from the thirteenth century, it evolved from the performances of kathakas, storytellers who sang stories accompanied by elements of dance. It remains a narrative form. A short composition is known as a tukra, a longer one as a tora. Feature continues

Where does it happen?
Renowned practitioner Gauri Sharma Tripathi teaches the form at her London school (No. 9, 49 Onslow Gardens, SW7, 020 7370 7427) as well as in Mumbai and New Delhi. And a new production at Sadler’s Wells, ‘Sacred Monsters’, has Akram Khan and Sylvie Guillem exploring kathak alongside ballet – for a double cultural whammy.Who does it? Acclaimed dancer and photographer Khan is probably the performer most familiar to London audiences. ‘I have spent my life studying and performing kathak,’ he says.

What to say
‘You’ll notice, of course, that the chakkar in kathak is performed on the heel, making it very different to a ballet pirouette.’ What not to say ‘It’s good, but it’s hardly “Dirty Dancing”.’

Where to start
‘Sacred Monsters’ is at Sadler’s Wells (020 7863 8198/www.sadlerswells.com) from September 19-23.