The Indian dances are broadly divided into Classical dances and folk dances. The Classical dances of India are usually spiritual in content. Though the folk dances of India are also spiritual and religious in content but the main force behind the folk dances of India is the celebratory mood. Dances are a form of coherent expression of human feelings. Like the Indian culture, Indian classical dances are equally diverse in nature. There are numerous classical dance forms in India and innumerable folk dances. Each dance form can be traced to different parts of the country. Each form represents the culture and ethos of a particular region or a group of people

Bharatnatyam Dance

Bharatnatyam is one of the most popular classical Indian dances. Bharatnatyam is more popular in South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Bharatnatyam dance is almost 2,000 years old. It is believed that Bharatnatyam was revealed by Lord Brahma to Bharata, a famous sage who then codified this sacred dance in a Sanskrit text called the Natya Shastra. The Natya Shastra is one of the fundamental treatises on Indian drama and aesthetics.

Natya Shastra divides dance into two distinct forms- nritta, and nritya. In nritta, focus is on mastery of abstract hand gestures and movements, whereas the dancer employs a complex system of hand signals and body language to depict emotional expressions in nritya.It is intended to be danced solo, but nowadays group work is equally popular.The songs used are composed from the poetic literature of Tamil, Telugu,Sanskrit and to some extent Kannada.

Kathak Dance

Kathak is one of the most important classical dances of India. Kathak is said to be derived from the word katha, meaning "the art of storytelling." The Kathak dance form originated in north India and was very similar to the Bharatnatyam dance form.

In ancient India, there were Kathakars or bards who used to recite religious and mythological tales to the accompaniment music, mime and dance.With the advent of the Muslim rule, Kathak went from the temple to the courts. Consequently Kathak flowered as a form in the Hindu Courts of Delhi, Agra and Lucknow. Court patronage evolved Kathak into a highly technical and stylised art with emphasis on the solo performers.

Kathakali Dance

Kathakali is the classical dance form of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means "Story-Play". Kathakali is known for its heavy, elaborate makeup and costumes. In fact, the colorful and fascinating costumes of Kathakali have become the most recognized icon of Kerala. Kathakali is considered as one of the most magnificent theatres of imagination and creativity. Kathakali dance presents themes derived from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and other Hindu epics, mythologies and legends.

In Kerala and some other south Indian states Kathakali performance is a major social event, which starts at dusk and continues all through the night. The Kathakali tradition dates back to the 17th century. It was Mahakavi Vallathol Narayan Menon, who gave Kathakali its present form. He was the founder of the Kerala Kala Mandalam.Mostly based on mythology and the themes of Ramayana and Mahabharata, a Kathakali performance opens with the thunder of drums which invites the audiences. The performance lasts night long and only men perform Kathakali

Kuchipudi Dance

Kuchipudi is one of the classical dance forms of the South India. Kuchipudi derives its name from the Kuchipudi village of Andhra Pradesh. In the seventeenth century the Kuchipudi village was presented to the Brahmins, who were experts in staging dance and drama.

Kuchipudi exhibits scenes from the Hindu Epics, legends and mythological tales through a combination of music, dance and acting. Like other classical dances, Kuchipudi also comprises pure dance, mime and histrionics but it is the use of speech that distinguishes Kuchipudi's presentation as dance drama.

Mohiniattam Dance

Mohiniattam is a classical dance form of Kerala. Mohiniattam is derived from the words Mohini (meaning beautiful women) and attam(meaning dance). Thus, Mohiniattam dance form is a beautiful feminine style with surging flow of body movements. Mohiniattam dance in Kerala developed in the tradition of Devadasi system, which later grew and developed a classical status.

Tamil Nadu Dance

Tamilnadu is deeply rooted in a great tradition of folk arts and crafts, which display the traditions and skills that have come down from generations. The folk music and dances of Tamil Nadu represent the ethos, aesthetic values and melody of the region. Traditionally, folk dances and music are conducted during festivals and community functions.follwoing dances Karagaattam, KaavadiAatam, Poikkal Kudirai Aattam (Dummy Horse Dance), Bommalaattam or Puppetry Therukoothu, Silambaattam, Villu PaattuSnake Dance.