Dance Forms

As a highly diverse nation, India has over 100 dance forms. Of them, 9 dance forms are classified as Indian Classical Dance forms. They are Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak, Kathakali, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Sattriya, and Chhau. You can find articles on each of these 9 Classical Indian dance forms below. We will try to write articles on other dance forms as well in the future.

These 9 Classical Indian Dance forms have been practiced in the country for several centuries and the performers of these dance forms often tell stories through their dance and expressions. Before the entry of the film industries, people used to watch the stories and morals through these dance performances. Most of the regional film industries in India emerged through these story telling roots. Hollywood has huge impact on Indian film industry and the way films are made but the ancient roots of songs and dance to depict emotion has never vanished. Some people ask why Indian movies have songs and dance in between. Now you know the answer!

Chhau - Semi Classical Dance form involving Martial and Folk traditions

Dance Forms

Chhau – Semi Classical Dance form involving Martial and Folk traditions

Sattriya – Classical Dance form from Assam

Mohiniyattam – Classical Dance of the Enchantress from Kerala

Manipuri – Classical Dance form from Manipur

Kathakali – Challenging Classical Dance form from Kerala

Odissi – Classical Temple Dance form from Orissa

Kathak – Classical Nomadic Bards Dance form from Uttar Pradesh

Kuchipudi – Classical Folk Dance form from Andhra Pradesh

Bharatanatyam – Classical dance form from Tamil Nadu

Dance Forms

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