8 Best Dance Forms Of India
India is a culturally diverse country, with nearly every state having its own language, cuisine, and dance forms. When it comes to dancing, India has traditional, classical, folk, and tribal dance styles, all of which are incredible. All of the magnificent classical dances originated in the country during ancient times. Posted On July 5th, 2021
Bharatanatyam – Tamil Nadu
Bharatanatyam is a solo dance form performed exclusively by women with religious themes of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism. It originated in Tamil Nadu. Bharata Natyam is traditionally a female solo dance art, with gestures, sign language based on hands, eyes, and face, and at least 20 Yoga Asanas.
Kathakali – Kerala
Kathakali, along with Mohiniyattam, is one of India's most popular classical dance arts. The traditional Kathakali, theory, and foundations are the same as other classical dances of India mentioned in Natya Shastra.
Kuchipudi – Andhra Pradesh
Kuchipudi is another major Indian classical dance form that is closely related to the Tamil Nadu Bhagavata Mela performance. Andhra Pradesh's dance-drama performance arts are traditionally performed at night, with musical instruments such as Mridangam and Tanpura used.
Mohiniyattam – Kerala
Mohiniyattam, along with Kathakali, is one of Kerala's most popular classical dance forms. Mohiniyattam is a solo dance with roots in the Natya Shastra, and some of the sequences are similar to Bharatanatyam.
Yakshagana – Karnataka
Yakshagana is a distinct style and art form that originated in the Indian state of Karnataka. There are several types of classical music and theatre, such as Tenkutittu and Badagutittu.
Manipuri – Manipur
Manipuri or Jagoi dance is well-known for its Radha-Krishna themes known as Raslila. The Manipuri dance incorporates religious themes such as Shaivism, Shaktism, and regional deities.
Gaudiya Nritya – West Bengal
The Gaudiya Nritya is a traditional Bengali dance form that incorporates drama, history, poetry, color, and music. It is an ancient classical dance from West Bengal, primarily used in temples for spiritual expression.
Bhangra and Gidda - Punjab
The Bhangra dance is one of Punjab's most popular dances, as well as the name of the music style. Bhangra is performed with traditional Punjabi attire and instruments such as a Dhool, Chimta, and Algoza. Giddha, the female counterpart to male bhangra, is a Punjabi folk dance. It is a high-energy dance based on ancient ring dancing that emphasizes feminine grace and elasticity.