Dance costumes of Kathak

Dancing figurines unearthed from the Peacock Dynasty and later from the Siddhartha and Polo dynasties provide valuable information for the study of dance costumes of the time. Most dancers of this period wore ankle-length skirts, however, a dance figurine from the Peacock Dynasty period is covered with a large robe-like monk's garment and tight pants. There are striking similarities between ancient and modern dancers in their dance attire.

Male dancers usually wear Indian sashes and sacred rings around their chests. In the west, common folk dance attire is long pants and fluttering hats. Female dancers' costumes have changed from the traditional long skirts, short-sleeved jackets, and veils to tight-fitting robes. In addition to the gold and silver jewelry worn on the head, neck, arms, fingers, waist, and feet, small bells worn on the ankles have become the most important ornaments in the dance. These bells tinkle delicately with the movement of the feet and help the dancers to accomplish many of the complex dance poses in the Kathak dance.

There are many options for the material and design of Kathak dance costumes. The dance costume's can be made of cotton or silk, brocade woven in the traditional Indian Zari (embroidery wrapped in metallic threads), or bandini, which is adorned with small mirrors. The jewelry worn by female Kathak dancers is also very intriguing and includes gold, silver, gemstones and kundan jewelry. Interestingly the kundan gold encrusted jewelry is gaining popularity in urban India.