n ndia, dancing is considered to be an age-old tradition.

A land of diverse cultures, traditions and languages, the country has given
birth to a large number of classical dances, shaped by the influences of a specific period and environment. These dance forms have
been preserved through the centuries and become an important part of our present culture. Each and every classical dance of ndia
is regarded as the specialty of a particular region or tribe and follows its own pattern, be it terms of music, steps, costumes or make-
up.

ndian classical dance forms can be traced back to 400 BC, to the times of Natya Sastra of Bharata Muni. n fact, Bharata's Natya
Sastra, considered to be the Bible of ndian aestheticians, is the most important source for establishing the characteristics of the
dances. At present, some of the popular classical dances of ndia are Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri,
Mohiniattam and Odissi. These dances have, no doubt, brought about a sensation in the western countries as well. Today, each of
the popular ndian classical dances has an identity of its own and crossing all the boundaries, is recognized globally.

Indian CIassicaI Dances

Bharatnatyam
Native to Tamil Nadu (a state in Southern ndia), Bharatanatyam is one of the popular ndian classical dance forms. t was
previously referred to as Sadir, Dasiattam and Thanjavur Natyam. The dance form demands unconditional and complete dedication
from the side of the performer.

Kathak
Kathak, which originated in northern ndia, represents one of the eight forms of ndian classical dances. The name Kathak has been
derived from the Sanskrit word 'katha', meaning story. Thus, 'katthaka' means the one who tells a story. Kathak focuses more on the
footwork of the dancer.

KathakaIi
The picturesque state of Kerala has gifted ndia with a dance drama known as Kathakali. Embedded in stories from the epics,
Ramayana, Mahabharata and from the Puranas (ancient scriptures), the dance form is believed to have originated in the 16th
century.

Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi was introduced as a dance drama, but its present day dispensation tells a different story altogether. t has now been
reduced only to dance form, with the drama missing completely. With proficient training and knowledge, the Kuchipudi dancers have
started presenting the dance form in their individualistic ways, today.

Manipuri
Manipuri is the classical dance from the Manipur region in the North East. Very much religious and associated to Vaishnav cult of
Hinduism, the art form primarily depicts episodes from the life of Lord Vishnu. Manipuri dance style is multifaceted and ranges from
the softest feminine to the vigorous masculine.

Mohiniatam
Mohiniattam, in literal terms, means Mohini's dance. Mohini, according to ndian mythology, is a very beautiful woman, who attracts
people instantly. She is regarded as an enchantress and thus, Mohiniattam is the dance of the enchantress.

Odissi
Based on Natya Shastra, Odissi is regarded as one of the oldest surviving dance forms of ndia, with well preserved archaeological
evidence. t has originated from Orissa and its history can be traced back to the 2nd century BC. The dance form has been
extensively depicted in the sculptures of Brahmeswara temple and Sun Temple at Konark.