Kathak - An Indian Classical dance form

Kathak is a classical dance form from Northern India. It is pronounced Ka-th-uk. The name Kathak is derived from a Sanskrit word Katha - means a story.

Centuries ago, in Northern India, various groups of story- tellers recounted the stories from

Hindu mythology - Ramayan and Mahabharata. They acted out with colorful songs, hand gestures

and expressions. The story -tellers were called Kathak and thus the name of this dance.

There was a saying in India -

Katha kahe so Kathak kahave - Kathak is one who tells or enacts a story.

goal of an art

According to Shastras - Natyashastra which is the base of all the Fine arts, dance and music - Bharata the author says if you exercise this art sincerely you will attain Dharma(vitrue), Artha(wealth), Kama(pleasure and Mksha(spiritual freedom). Is there any parallel view anywhere in the world about goal of the Arts?