A dancer dressed in a floor length Anarkali wowing the audience with the famed chakkars that are associated with kathak tends to be the first image that comes to mind when you think of the form. The image of a Bollywood-style mujra comes a close second. "While there is nothing incorrect with that image as kathak was responding to its time in every era. There is a lot more to it than what people know about," asserts Delhi–based Siddhi Goel, who will conduct an interactive workshop, titled The Kathak Nayika: Devotee, Courtesan, or Vamp? in the city, this Friday. This 45-minute workshop will explore the lesser-known heroines of the dance form, across history, and will recognise their role in expanding the richness of dance and musical heritage.

Siddhi Goel