The beautiful land of diversity, India is home to various classical dance forms. Classical dance in India is an ancient and traditionally regional form of a specific type of dance coming from each of the Indian states with a unique culture. Although these dance styles evolved from different regions, their roots are the same that can be traced back to ‘Natya Shastra’, the ancient Sanskrit Hindu text on the performing arts. Classical dances are integral parts of the Indian rich cultural legacy where each posture has a special meaning. Today, Indian classical dance is a very popular dance form all over the world. With so many unique and beautiful classical dance forms it is hard to keep up with the different dance styles in India. To understand this breathtaking art form better, let’s take a look at some of the famous classical dances of India.

Also Read: Beautiful Regional Folk Dances Of India To Witness

Famous Classical Dances Of India

Bharatnatyam (State of Origin – Tamil Nadu)

Considered to be one of the oldest dance styles in India, Bharatanatyam is regarded as the mother of many other Indian classical dance forms. This dance form originated in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu. Meaning of Bharathanatyam: Bha meaning emotion, Ra meaning music, Ta meaning rhythm and Natyam meaning dance in Tamil. This classic Indian dance form involves transitional movements of the leg, hip and arm with expressive eye movements and impressive hand gestures used to convey different emotions. Bharatnatyam dance is known to be ekaharya, where one dancer takes on many roles in a single performance. This form of dance is slow and moving, but at the same time fast and fluid often used to express Hindu religious stories.

Kathakali (State of Origin – Kerala)

This renowned art form originated from Kerala’s shores over 300 years ago. Kathakali is a major form of classical Indian dance form that tells the great stories of the past, mostly from Indian epics. It combines devotion, drama, dance, music, costumes and make up into a divine experience which is simply fascinating to watch. Kathakali is one of the most renowned and religious classical dances of India that leaves one spellbound at the various intricacies involved in the performance. The storytelling of the epic Hindu mythology tales is shown through their body gestures and facial expressions. The costume, face masks, body paints and makeup are elaborate. This makes it hard for the audience to take their eyes away from the spectacle taking place on stage.

Kathak (State of Origin – Uttar Pradesh)

Kathak is one of the main genres of ancient classical dances of India and is traditionally regarded to have originated in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The name Kathak comes from the word “katha” which means ‘story’, used as a storytelling device in a musical way to portray the epic tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata or portray a lost romantic poetry. Kathak is performed by both the male and female dancers together, often referred to as the dance of love. This dance form focuses highly on the ankle movements performed with intrinsic footwork and expressive hand gestures that has to match the beats of the music. The Kathak costumes were initially a long skirt called as ghaghras, Choli which is a blouse and a veil to cover the head. Gradually, it gave way to churidhar, pyjamas and angrakha.

Kuchipudi (State of Origin – Andhra Pradesh)

Kuchipudi is a dance-drama performance originated in the 17th century in a village called Kuchipudi belonging to the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is probably the toughest form of traditional dances of India. Kuchipudi is not just considered as the dance form but a whole religious procedure dedicated to God where the dance performance begins with the sprinkling of holy water and the burning of incense. This Indian style dancing is a blend of tandava and lasya elements known for its impressive, quick footwork, dramatic characterization, expressive eye movements and spirited narrative. In the earlier period, Kuchipudi was performed only by the male dancers in the temples, specifically the Brahmins. But with the passage of time, it became famous among the women and now it is mostly performed by the female dancers.

Manipuri (State of Origin – Manipur)

Manipuri is the classical dance from the north East Indian state of Manipur where its origin can be traced back to ancient times that go beyond recorded history. This dance-drama form also famously known as Raas Leela is performed to narrate the romantic relationship between the Hindu gods Radha and Krishna. This dance form is more restrained compared to the other classical dances of India where the artist never establishes eye contact with the audience. The movements are continuous and circular, merging into one another and performed in a team with the traditional Manipuri costumes and makeup. What makes this dance form different from other classical dances is that the artist does not wear anklets or gungroos.

Odissi (State of Origin – Odisha)

Initially called ‘Odra-Nritya,’ Odissi is a dance style from the state of Odisha in eastern India which is one of the major classical dances of India. Odissi dance form has brilliant body movements, expressions, and gestures are predominantly a dance for women, with postures that replicate those found in temple sculptures. Related to Bharatanatyam in its basic pattern, Odissi dance form is appreciated all over the world for its lyricism, sensuality and emphasis on devotion and surrender. The themes of this dance come from Vaishnavism and others associated with Hindu gods and goddesses like Shiva, Surya and Shakti. Its performance collection includes snrita, nritya, natya, and moksha.

India is blessed with many classical dance forms, each one more beautiful than the other. Great Indian classical dancers like Rukmani Arundale, Uday Shankar, Pandit Birju Maharaj, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Mallika Sarabhai and Shovana Narayan have played a crucial role in presenting India to the forefront of the world stage. Thanks to the contributions from all these dancing legends without which Classical dance in India wouldn’t have been in its present day glory.