Indian Classical DancesThe classical dance are governed by rules of Natya Shashtra and are bassed on guru-shishya parampara. Sangeet Natak Akademi has given the states of classical dance, to the following Eight (8) dance forms:-

S.N Dance form State(s) of origin01. Bharatanatyam Tamil Nadu02. Kathak Uttar Pradesh (North India)03. Kathakali Kerala04. Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh05. Manipuri Manipur06. Odissi Orissa07. Sattriya Assam08. Mohiniyattam Kerala

Chhau Odisha, West Bengal, JharkhandGaudiya Nritya West Bengal

Thang Ta Manipur

01. Bharata Natyam: - Tamilnadu (Oldest among all classical dances)

It evolved from Devadasi  System in temples. Bharatanatyam is reworked form of dance from the

traditional sadir and combination of expression,music,beat and dance.

It is a high styled solo dance predominantly by females. (now even by male and also performed by groups)

02. Kathak – Uttar Pradesh (North India)

Famous Kathak dance is derived from Katha or story-tellers,people who narrate stories during the whole art of Kathak dance.Katha – Story teller.

Knees are Not bent or flexed. Similar in origin like Bharatnatyam –i.e temple dance but later in Mughal courts for entertainment.

03. Kathakali – Kerala

Kathakali is one of the most attracting classical Indian dance-drama performed by well trained artist.

Kathakali is originated in God’s own country Kerala in 17th century.

The attractive make-up, detailed gestures and elaborate costumes of the characters along with body movements with playback music are best experience to watch.

Kathakali called Ballot of East.

04. Kuchipudi – Andhra Pradesh

The Classical Indian dance form originated Andhra Pradesh state and got its name from Kuchipudi village near the Bay of Bengal.

Kuchipudi is the most popular traditional dance form in South India performed with violin, flute and the tambura instruments and the characters first introduces them self by the dharavu.

05. Manipuri – Manipur

Manipuri dance form is one of the major classical dance forms of India, originates from the north-eastern state Manipur.

Manipuri themes is based to the Raslila act of Radha and Krishna and is purely religious along with spiritual experience.

06. Mohiniyattam – Kerala

Mohiniyattam is another classical dance style from Kerala state and one of the eight principal Indian classical dance.

The Mohiniyattam is a popular dance form with a drama in dance, performed with subtle gestures and footwork.

07. Sattriya – Assam

The Sattriya Dance of Assam is living tradition of state and one of the eight major classical Indian dance traditions.

Sattriya classical dance form is well appreciated and practiced outside the state as well as outside of Indian mainland.

08. Odissi – Orissa

Odissi is the oldest surviving dance form in India, originates from state of Orissa.

The Odissi dance form is known for its style, the independent movement of head, chest and pelvis.

Beautiful Odissi Dance is traditional and ancient style of dance performed in the temples.

The divine love tales of Radha and the cowherd God Krishna are favourite themes for interpretation, and a typical recital of Odissi will contain at least one or two ashtapadis (poem of eight couplets) from Jayadeva’s Gita Govindam, which shows the complex relationship between Radha and her Lord.