India dance encompasses a broad variety of dance and dance theater categories, starting from the very old temple or classical dance to contemporary and folk dances.
India Dance: An Overview
Kali, Shiva, and Krishna are the three gods that are usually symbolized in Indian dancing. In addition, there are different types of Indian folk dances which include Bihu, Bhangra, Sambalpuri, Ghumura Dance, Garba, and Chhau. Unique types of dances are performed in local carnivals. The country houses various classical dance varieties and every one of them has origins in various regions of this diverse multicultural nation. The worldwide viewers have seen the staging of India dance through Hindi cinema or Hindi films. From time immemorial, prayers are offered to the deities through the spiritual dances and folk dances. Examples include Kirtaniya Dance, Ramlila Dance, Bhagata Dance, Naradi Dance and Kunjvasi Dance, Puja Art Dance and Vidapat Dance in this group. Least amount of musical instruments is used in these dance forms and the dancer presents the dance forms exclusive of playing the melody.
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Andhra Natyam and Vilasini Nrityam/Natyam are the Telugu forms of classical dance. Kerala Natanam is the popular form of Keralite classical dance. Dances which were presented within the area of the temple in line with the customs were known as Agama Nartanam. According to the Natya Shastra categorization, it is a form of dance or margi which frees the spirit and is dissimilar to the desi dance forms, which is entirely amusing.
Dances presented in the regal courts together with classical music were known as Carnatakam. This was also known as Darbari Attam category or intellectual art category.
A quite significant aspect of classical dance in India is the usage of hand motions or the mudra by the performers as a short-hand symbol language to tell a tale and to show particular ideas like climate, articles, feelings, and nature. Various classical dances incorporate facial looks as an essential feature of the dance form.
The Encyclop�dia Britannica talks about six acknowledged schools and other sources mention there are eight forms of classical dance. Odissi and Bharat Natyam are the two most popular classical dance forms that follow the temple dance styles. Kuchipudi features lip movements and Kathak started as a court dance.
Different types of Indian folk dances
The different categories of Indian folk dances are listed below:
| States | Dance forms |
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Nicobarese dances |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Bardo Chham |
| Andhra Pradesh | Thapetta Gullu |
| Chhattisgarh | Panthi |
| Jharkhand | Karma/Munda |
| Goa | Tarangamel:
|
| Himachal Pradesh | Kinnauri Nati Namgen |
| Gujarat | Garba Raas Padhar Tippani Dance |
| Karnataka | Yakshagana Dollu Kunitha |
| Kashmir | Dumhal |
| Madhya Pradesh | Tertali Charkula Jawara |
| Lakshwadeep | Lava |
| Maharashtra | Pavri Nach:
|
| Mizoram | Cheraw Dance |
| Manipur | Thang Ta Dol Cholam |
| Nagaland | Sua Lua (or) Chang Lo |
| Odissa | Ghumura Dance (or Ghumra Dance) Goti Pua Ruk Mar Nacha and Chhau dance Nacni Baagh Naach or Tiger Dance Dalkhai (Chhiollai, Humobauli and Dauligit, Chhata, Sajani, Bhekani, Daika, Jaiphul, Rasarkeli, Bayamana, Maila Jada, and Gunchikuta) Dhap Karma Naach Keisabadi |
| Pondicherry | Garadi |
| Punjab | Bhangra Giddha Dhamalan Jhoomer Sammi Dankre Ludi Dandass Jindua |
| Rajasthan | Ghoomar Bhavai Kalbelia |
| Sikkim | Singhi Cham |
| Tamil Nadu | Kamandi or Kaman Pandigai Devarattam Kolattam Kummi Karagattam or Karagam Mayil Attam or Peacock dance Paampu Attam or Snake Dance Puliyattam Oyilattam Bommalattam Poikal Kudirai Attam Theru Koothu |
| Tripura | Hojagiri |
| West Bengal | Gambhira Nacni Kalikapatadi Domni Alkap |
| Kerala | Padayani |
Last Updated on 31 October 2011
