Indian classical dance forms:
| Dance Form | Origin | Key Features | Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bharatanatyam | Tamil Nadu | Solo dance, intricate footwork, mudras, facial expressions (abhinaya). | Devotion, mythology, Hindu scriptures. |
| Kathak | Uttar Pradesh | Storytelling, rapid footwork, spins (chakkars), expressive gestures. | Mythological stories, royal court performances. |
| Kathakali | Kerala | Elaborate makeup and costumes, dance-drama, intense facial expressions. | Ramayana, Mahabharata, Hindu epics. |
| Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh | Graceful movements, rhythmic footwork, solo and group performances. | Devotional, mythological, classical themes. |
| Manipuri | Manipur | Graceful, slow movements, emphasis on footwork and hand gestures. | Devotion to Lord Krishna and Radha. |
| Odissi | Odisha | Graceful movements, lyrical poses (Tribhangi), focus on spiritual aspects. | Devotional themes, Lord Jagannath, Radha-Krishna. |
| Sattriya | Assam | Devotional dance performed in monasteries (satras), dance-drama elements. | Lord Krishna, mythological tales. |
| Mohiniyattam | Kerala | Graceful, sensual movements, soft, lyrical expressions, solo performances. | Love, devotion, stories of gods and goddesses. |
| Lavani | Maharashtra | Fast-paced, energetic dance, performed to dholki beats. | Folk themes, romance, social issues. |
| Chhau | Odisha, Bengal, Jharkhand | Martial arts-inspired, acrobatic leaps, stylized movements. | Mythological stories (Ramayana, Mahabharata). |
| Koodiyattam | Kerala | Sanskrit drama combining dance, acting, and music. | Sanskrit plays by Kalidasa, Bhasa. |
| Kalari | Kerala | Martial arts form, sometimes included in dance performances. | Symbolic movements representing life and nature. |
| Bhangra | Punjab | Energetic, folk dance, performed to celebrate harvest, colorful costumes. | Joy, celebration, harvest festivals. |
| Folk Dances | Pan-India | Various regional dances such as Garba, Dandiya, Ghoomar, Bihu, etc. | Celebrations, social events, cultural expression. |
Key Dance Classification:
- Classical Dances: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Odissi, Sattriya, Mohiniyattam, Chhau, Koodiyattam.
- Folk Dances (often included in cultural contexts): Lavani, Bhangra, Garba, Dandiya, Ghoomar, Bihu, etc.
Important Elements of Indian Classical Dance:
- Nritya: Expressive dance (abhinaya).
- Nritta: Pure dance (rhythmic footwork).
- Natya: Drama and acting combined with dance.
Prominent classical Indian dancers:
1. Bharatanatyam Dancers:
| Dancer | Awards |
|---|---|
| Rukmini Devi Arundale | - Padma Bhushan (1956) - Padma Vibhushan (1982) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1952) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1975) |
| Balasaraswati | - Padma Bhushan (1977) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1957) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1986) |
| M. S. Subbulakshmi | - Bharat Ratna (1998) - Padma Bhushan (1968) - Padma Vibhushan (1989) |
| Sonal Mansingh | - Padma Bhushan (2003) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2018) |
| Chitra Visweswaran | - Padma Shri (2003) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2003) |
| Mrinalini Sarabhai | - Padma Bhushan (1992) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1981) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2007) |
2. Kathak Dancers:
| Dancer | Awards |
|---|---|
| Birju Maharaj | - Padma Bhushan (1986) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1969) - Kalidas Samman (2002) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1986) |
| Shovana Narayan | - Padma Shri (2004) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1993) |
| Kumudini Lakhia | - Padma Bhushan (2013) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2007) |
3. Kathakali Dancers:
| Dancer | Awards |
|---|---|
| Guruvayur Dorai | - Padma Shri (2004) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1991) |
| Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair | - Padma Shri (2000) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1981) |
| Kalamandalam Gopi | - Padma Shri (2008) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2004) |
4. Odissi Dancers:
| Dancer | Awards |
|---|---|
| Madhavi Mudgal | - Padma Shri (1991) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1996) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2017) |
| Kelucharan Mohapatra | - Padma Bhushan (2001) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1969) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2000) |
| Sanjukta Panigrahi | - Padma Shri (2001) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1989) |
| Protima Bedi | - Padma Shri (1991) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1984) |
5. Kuchipudi Dancers:
| Dancer | Awards |
|---|---|
| Yamini Krishnamurthy | - Padma Bhushan (2004) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1992) |
| Vijayashree Deshmukh | - Padma Shri (2002) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2004) |
| Sobha Naidu | - Padma Shri (2001) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1986) |
6. Manipuri Dancers:
| Dancer | Awards |
|---|---|
| Gourmohan Sahoo | - Padma Shri (2002) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1994) |
| Bimbavati Devi | - Padma Shri (2010) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2009) |
7. Modern/Experimental Dancers (Classical Influence):
| Dancer | Awards |
|---|---|
| Uday Shankar | - Padma Bhushan (1968) - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1954) |
| Martha Graham (Indian Influence) | - Honorary Doctorates from various universities. - Presidential Medal of Freedom (US) |