Final answer:
Trance dancing is not characteristic of Kathakali, an Indian dance style marked by elaborate costumes and detailed gestures, with narratives derived from Indian epics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic that is not typical of the Indian dance style of Kathakali is trance dancing. Kathakali is a classical Indian dance that is known for its elaborate costumes, detailed gestures, and facial expressions.
It generally involves a narrative performance with dancers portraying characters from Indian epics and Puranas.
Unlike some traditional African, Native American, and Asian dance forms, trance dancing is not a feature of Kathakali, as it does not involve entering an altered state of consciousness or being guided by drumming and masked impersonation.
Kathakali performances are characterized by highly stylized movements and the use of colorful makeup and costumes to tell stories. The dancers do not speak during the performance;
instead, they utilize a sophisticated system of hand gestures and facial expressions to convey the narrative.
Moreover, significant training is required to master the subtle nuances of this dance form.
Kathakali is distinct from other styles, such as Balinese dance drama and shadow puppetry which have their unique characteristics and practices related to their respective cultural backgrounds.