Classical Dances of India
Last updated: 3 October 2026
Indian classical dances are based on the Natya Shastra, an ancient text on performing arts written by Bharata Muni. The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognises eight classical dance forms.
The eight classical dances
| Dance | State | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Bharatanatyam | Tamil Nadu | Earlier called Sadir; revived by Rukmini Devi Arundale; a solo dance with fixed postures |
| Kathak | Uttar Pradesh (North India) | Fast footwork and spins (chakkars); Lucknow, Jaipur and Banaras gharanas; Pandit Birju Maharaj |
| Kathakali | Kerala | Dance-drama with heavy make-up and costumes; stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata; traditionally performed by men |
| Mohiniyattam | Kerala | A graceful solo dance by women; "dance of the enchantress" |
| Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh | Named after a village in Krishna district; Tarangam – dancing on the rim of a brass plate |
| Odissi | Odisha | Tribhanga posture (body bent at three points); Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra |
| Manipuri | Manipur | Ras Lila of Radha and Krishna; soft, flowing movements; made popular by Rabindranath Tagore |
| Sattriya | Assam | Started by the saint Srimanta Sankardev in the 15th-16th century; recognised as classical in 2000 |
Basic terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tandava | Vigorous, masculine style of dance |
| Lasya | Graceful, feminine style of dance |
| Nritta | Pure dance, without expression of a story |
| Nritya | Dance with expression (abhinaya) |
| Mudra | Hand gestures |
Quick revision
- Natya Shastra: Bharata Muni.
- Two classical dances from Kerala: Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.
- Kuchipudi: Andhra Pradesh. Odissi: Odisha. Sattriya: Assam.
- Kerala Kalamandalam, a famous school for Kathakali, was founded by the poet Vallathol.
- Sattriya was the last to be recognised as classical (2000).