Classical & Folk Dances of IndiaClassical & Folk Dances of India

The Sangeet Natak Akademi currently recognizes 8 classical dance forms, each rooted in regional scriptures, technique, and spiritual expressions.

• Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu): Oldest classical dance form, derived from 'Abhinaya Darpana' by Nandikeshvara. Emphasizes Tandava and Lasya, fire dance element, and uses Carnatic music.
• Kathak (Uttar Pradesh): Originating from storytellers ('Kathakars') of North India. Known for intricate footwork ('Tatkar'), spins ('Chakkars'), and Lucknow, Jaipur, and Raigarh gharanas.
• Kathakali and Mohiniyattam (Kerala): Kathakali is a vibrant dance-drama known for heavy facial makeup and elaborate costumes. Mohiniyattam is a solo female dance characterized by graceful swaying movements.
• Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh): Named after Kuchelapuram village. Combines speech, pure dance, and abhinaya. Tarangam is a famous feat where the dancer performs on a brass plate.
• Odissi (Odisha) & Manipuri (Manipur): Odissi features the 'Tribhanga' posture and sculpturesque poses. Manipuri focuses on devotional themes of Radha-Krishna (Ras Lila) with soft, fluid movements.
• Satriya (Assam): Introduced by 15th-century Vaishpite saint Srimanta Sankaradeva. Practiced in monastic institutions known as 'Sattras'. Recognized as classical in 2000.

UP has a rich cultural tapestry reflected in its diverse regional folk dances performed during festivals, harvests, and rituals.

• Nautanki & Raasleela: Nautanki is a popular folk theater and dance form combining music and satire. Raasleela depicts the divine play of Lord Krishna, predominantly popular in Braj region.
• Charkula Dance (Braj Region): Performed on Holi, women balance a large multi-tiered circular wooden pyramid holding 108 lighted oil lamps on their heads while dancing to folk songs.
• Katthakali / Kathputli & Khayal: Khayal dance is performed by sons seeking birth in Bundelkhand during progeny celebrations. Dholak and local instruments accompany these vigorous performances.
• Karma & Dharkahi (Mirzapur/Sonbhadra): Tribal dances performed by Gond, Kharwar, and other indigenous communities of Vindhyan region during seasonal shifts and Karma festival.
• Ahir Nach & Paira: Martial-style folk dances performed by the Ahir/Yadav community, especially during Janmashtami and wedding celebrations, showcasing agility and stick-fighting elements.

Beyond classical boundaries, Indian states boast diverse folk dances linked to agriculture, military victories, social bonding, and religious festivals.

• Bihu (Assam): Rongali Bihu features rapid footwork and hand movements symbolizing youthful passion and fertility, performed during the spring festival.
• Garba and Dandiya Raas (Gujarat): Garba is performed in a concentric circle around an earthen pot ('Garbha Deep') during Navaratri. Dandiya involves rhythmic stick-clashing.
• Yakshagana (Karnataka): Traditional theatre and dance form combining music, spoken dialogue, and vibrant costume makeup, depicting episodes from Hindu epics.
• Bhangra and Giddha (Punjab): Bhangra is an energetic harvest dance performed by men to dhol beats. Giddha is a graceful counterpart performed by Punjabi women.
• Lavani (Maharashtra): A combination of traditional song and dance performed to the rhythmic beats of Dholki, famous for its powerful and energetic tempo.