Kathak is one of the main genres of ancient Indian classical dance with its core roots tied up with Lord Shiva himself, it is traditionally regarded to have originated from the travelling bards of North India referred to as Kathakars or storytellers. These Kathakars wandered around and communicated legendary stories via music, dance and songs quite like the early Greek theatre. Kathak’s origin can be traced to Mahabharat and Ramayan kal with Kush and Luv being the  first Kathiks. The genre developed during the Bhakti movement, the trend of theistic devotion which evolved in medieval Hinduism. The Kathakars communicate stories through rhythmic foot movements, hand gestures, facial expressions and eye work. This performing art that incorporates legends from ancient mythology and great Indian epics, especially from the life of Lord Krishna became quite popular in the courts of North Indian kingdoms. Four specific forms of this genre, which are Four gharanas (schools), which mostly differ in emphasis given to footwork versus acting. Namely, the Jaipur gharana, the Benaras gharana, Raigarh gharana and the Lucknow gharana.