Classical and Folk Dances of India

According to Bharata Muni's Natya Shastra, Indian classical dance consists of two basic aspects: Tandava (the vigorous, masculine aspect) and Lasya (the graceful, feminine aspect).

1. The 8 Classical Dance Forms (Recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi)

1. Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)

• Originates from the Sadir dance performed by Devadasis in temples.
• Emphasizes EkAharya (one dancer playing many roles). The characteristic bent-knee posture is called Aramandi.

2. Kathak (North India)

• Derives from Katha (story). Traces origins to wandering bards. Fused Hindu stories (Radha-Krishna) with Persian aesthetics under the Mughals.
• Famous for intricate footwork (Tatkar), rapid pirouettes (Chakkars), and straight-legged postures.

3. Kathakali (Kerala)

• Extremely elaborate makeup and massive headdresses. Colors define characters: Green (noble), Red/green (royalty with evil streaks), Black (evil).
• It is a highly dramatic "story play" focusing primarily on the epics (Ramayana/Mahabharata).

4. Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)

• Historically performed only by Brahmin men (Bhagavathalu).
• Known for the Tarangam, where the dancer performs rhythmic footwork while balancing on the edges of a brass plate, often with a pot of water on the head.

5. Odissi (Odisha)

• The defining posture is the Tribhanga (three-part bend of the head, torso, and hips) and Chowk (a square stance).
• Deeply connected to the Jagannath cult. Very lyrical, soft, and graceful.

6. Manipuri (Manipur)

• Focuses intensely on devotion (Ras Leela). The movements are extraordinarily soft, fluid, and continuous.
• Dancers do not wear ankle bells (Ghungroos), making the footwork silent. Accompanied by the Pung drum.

7. Mohiniyattam (Kerala)

• The dance of the enchantress (Mohini). Exclusively a solo female dance.
• Characterized by incredibly graceful, swaying movements representing palm leaves in the wind. Wears white and gold (Kasavu).

8. Sattriya (Assam)

• Introduced in the 15th century by the great Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva in the Sattras (monasteries).
• Strictly mythological and devotional. Performed by male monks (Bhokots).

2. Prominent Folk and Tribal Dances

• Bihu (Assam): Joyous dance performed by young men and women during the spring festival.
• Garba & Dandiya (Gujarat): Circular dances dedicated to Goddess Durga during Navaratri.
• Bhangra & Giddha (Punjab): Exuberant harvest dances.
• Kalbelia (Rajasthan): The "Snake Charmer's Dance", performed by women in flowing black skirts. Recognized by UNESCO.
• Chhau (Jharkhand/Odisha/Bengal): Martial, tribal, and folk origins using elaborate masks (except Mayurbhanj). Recognized by the Ministry of Culture as a 9th classical dance.
• Raut Nacha (Chhattisgarh): Performed by the Yadava community primarily during Diwali.