Kathak (translation: storyteller) is a North Indian classical dance form that began as temple art, and was performed to depict stories from religious texts. It gradually made a shift from temples to courts of Hindu and Muslim rulers, which added purely technical components to the dance form. Kathak is characterized by intricate footwork and precise rhythmic patterns that the dancer articulates by controlling hundreds of ankle bells. A distinguishing feature of the technical aspect of Kathak are pirouettes on heel.