Indian Dances

Indian Dances

                                       The dance heritage of India is at least 5000 years old. A dancing girl figurine was found in the ruins of Mohenjodaro and is dated approximately 2nd Century B.C. Many group dancing sequences are depicted in exquisite rock paintings of Bhimbetaka caves of Madhya Pradesh
                                            Dance is a form of communication that brings out the inner most feelings and at the same time helps express what a civilization is all about. Indian Dances are all about connection of the mind with the soul. A dancer has to lead a very disciplined life. All the traditional dances still follow the rules set by Bharata Muni in his 'Natya Shastra'.
                                                The Indian Dance is one of the most well established arts and has been developing for nearly two thousand years!! The dances originated in the temples, where dancing was used to illustrate and depict various Hindu mythologies. The dances were performed by 'Devadasi's' or ladies who dedicated their life to the service of god. It is believed that the gods and goddesses not only appreciate dance but are great dancers as well! Over time, dances were used not only to express devotion to god, but also to portray one's emotion and state of mind.


India offers a number of classical dance forms, each one originating from a different part of the country. The most famous forms of classical dance are:

Bharatnatyam from Tamil Nadu
Mohiniattam from Kerela
Kathakali from Kerela
Odissi from Orissa
Kathak from Uttar Pradesh
Kuchipuddi from Andhra Pradesh
Manipuri from Manipur

India also has a number of folk dances, performed by ordinary people and tribal people.

Bathakamma - A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
 Bihu - Bihu is a folk dance from Assam. It is a very brisk and aggressive dance performed by both boys and girls.
 Bagurumba - This is a folk dance from Assam. It is performed by the Bodos and is known for its colourful attire.
 Bhangra - This is a folk dance from the Northwest Indian state of Punjab. It is a lively, powerful dance.
 Chah Baganar Jumur Nach - This is a Dance from Assam. It is a dance of the tea garden.
 Changu - The changu dance is a folk dance found in Odissa and Andhra Pradesh. It derives its name from the changu, which is a simple tambourine (daf)  that is used to accompany this dance.
Dandaria - A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
 Dasakathia - This is a folk theatre of Odissa. It is performed by a pair of performers who entertain the audience with dance, songs, and stories.
 Dhamal - A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
 Gair - This is a dance of Rajasthan. It is performed by groups of dancers moving in and out with an almost military precision.
Garba - This is a folk dance from Gujarat. It is traditionally danced at marriages and during the time of Navaratri.
 Geendad - This is a folk dance of Rajasthan. It is very similar to the Gair.
  Ghoomar - This is a folk dance of Rajasthan. It derives its name from its characteristic pirouettes.
  Ghanta Patua - This is a folk dance of Odissa. Its name is derived from the large brass gongs known as ghanta. It is performed in the Hindu month of Chaitra. This dance is most notable because it is performed on stilts
 Gobbi - A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
 Jhoomar - This is a dance of the Mundas and Mahantas of Odissa.
  Kacchhi Ghodhi - This is a folk dance of Rajasthan that is performed with a dummy horse.
  Kandhei - (see Sakhi Nata)
  Kavadi - This is a folk dance of Tamil Nadu. It is played with a wooden pole upon which are tied two pots. The stick is then balanced upon the shoulder.
  Karagam - This is a folk dance of Tamil Nadu. It is played with a pot balanced on the head.
  Kela Keluni - This is a dance performed by the Kelas of Odissa.
  Mathuri - A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
  Raas - This is a folk dance from Gujarat. It is traditionally danced at marriages and during the time of Navaratri.
  Sakhi Nata - This is the puppet dance of Odissa.
  Terahtali - This is a folk dance of Rajasthan. It is performed by women while they are seated.
  Therukoothu - This is a folk theatre from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
  Yaksha Gana - This is a folk theatre from the south Indian state of Karnatika.