Classical Dances of India
Kuchipudi
State: Andhra Pradesh
Kuchipudi derives its name from the name of a village (Kuchelapuram) of its origin. It closely resembles Bharatnatyam. However, its movements are much faster and style is free.
Mohiniattam
State: Andhra Pradesh
The word ‘mohini’ literally means a maiden who exerts desire or steals the heart of the onlooker. In
format, this is similar to odissi and costumes sober and attractive. It is essentially a solo dance.
Bharatnatyam
State: Tamil Nadu
The earliest exponents of Bharatnatyam were the devadasis (temple dancers) in South India. The
technique of Bharatnatyam consists of 64 Principles of coordinated hand foot, face and body movements which are performed to the accompaniment of dance syllables, popularly known as bols.
Kathak
State: North India
The word Kathak is derived from Katha which means story. The Kathak dance goes through a regular format mostly concentrating on rhythm, variously called tathar, paltas, thoras, amad and parans.
Kathakali
State: Kerala
Kathakali combines music, poetry, mime and drama. This dance-drama is usually performed in the open and usually lasts the whole night. The themes are taken from the Ramayan, the Mahabharata and Hindu mythology.
Nat-Natin
State: Bihar
It is one of the important dance of Bihar. It is performed by both Men and Women.
Nati
State: Himachal Pradesh
This dance depicts all the activities involved in sowing the crop and reaping it. Important among the dances of Nati is ‘Losar Shona Chuksom’ which takes its name from Lasai, or the New Year.
Rauf
State: Jammu & Kashmir
It is the most popular dance in the Kashmir Valley and is restricted only to the women folk.
Hattari
State: Karnataka
The Hattari dance is done during harvesting season among the Kodvas of coorg in Mysore.
Yakshagana
State: Karnataka
It is one of the popular folk dance-drama as it contains a good number of classical and literary elements besides those of many folk and tribal ones.
Bhangra
State: Punjab
Bhangra refers to several types of Punjabi style dance. Punjabi dancing in general, especially when done to popular Bhangra music, is often casually called “Bhangra”
Garhwali
State: Uttrakhand
The people of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand are fond of dancing, as testified by the several distinct dance forms. The Garhwali dance forms are: Langvir Nritya, Barada Nati, Shotiya and Pandva Nritya etc.
Odissi
State: Odisha
It is considered to be the oldest form of classical dance taking back to pre-Christan era. Odissi is built on the principle that the human body is meant to be employed in deflection.
Manipuri
State: Manipur
Manipuri is purely religious dance which is used to invoke divine blessing. Manipur involves a movement of head, hands and feet in complete harmony. Another feature of this dance is that the men and women dance together.
Bihu
State: Assam
Bihu dance is a folk dance from the Indian state of Asom related to the festival of Bihu. This joyous dance is performed by both young men and women and is characterized by brisk dance steps and rapid hand movement. Dancers wear traditionally colourful Assamese clothing.
Garba
State: Gujarat
Garba is an Indian form of dance that originated in the Gujarat region. Many traditional garbas are performed around a central lit lamp or picture/statues of different avatars of Goddess Shakti.
