Dances of India

 Dances in India are of two main branches, (i) Classical Dances and (ii) Folk Dances.  Classical dances are those which are based on ancient dance discipline or traditional form of dance and have rigid rules for presentation.  The main classical dances in India are:

Bharatanataym:  This dance is having its origin in Tamil Nadu and it is a temple dance performed at the time of worship.

 

 

Kathakali:     This is the dance cum drama of Kerala, which is usually performed in the open and lasts the whole night.   

Kathak:         This is the principal classical dance of North India in which the emphasis is on foot work and swift movement of the body.

Kuchipudi:   This is the dance cum drama from Andra Pradesh. The performance usually begins with some stage rites, after which each of the characters arrive on stage and introduces himself with a daru (a small composition of song and dance) to introduce identity, establish the rule of spirit, the character in the drama.

Manipuri:      This is the dance which is performed by the people of north-east especially by people from Manipur.  It involves movement of head, hand and foot in harmony and is performed by men and women together.

Mohini Attam:          This the classical dance from Kerala. The dance involves the swaying of broad hips and the gentle movements of erect posture from side to side. This is reminiscent of the swinging of the palm leaves and the gently flowing rivers which abound Kerala, the land of Mohiniyattam.

Odissi:                       This is the classical dance from Odisha. The marginal figures of dancers show women in poses and movements similar to the distinctive style of Odissi.

Chakiarkoothu:       This is the classical dance is believed to be from Kerala.

Ottam Thullal:          This is a solo classical dance from Kerala, also known as poor man’s Kathakali.

Yakshagana:           This is the classical dance cum drama from Karnataka.

The State Wise Popular Folk Dances of India

Folk Dances, which are also called tribal dances in some states, are as follows as per state wise where these are generally performed during festive seasons.

STATE	DANCE(s)
ASSAM	Ankia Nat, Ojapali, Bihu
ANDHRA PRADESH	Kottam, Veethi Bhagavatam
BIHAR	Jata-Jatin, Bidesia
GUJRAT	Garba,Bhavai,Dandiya Ras,Rasila,Tippani
HARYANA	Swang(Saang)
HIMACHAL PRADESH	Gidda Parhaun,Kayanga,Luddi,Munzra,
JAMMU & KASHMIR	Chakri, Hikat, Rauf
KERALA	Chavittu Natakam Chirav,Kaikoti Kallikoodiyattam, Krishnanattam, Medivettu, Tappatri Kali, Theyyam
MADHYA PRADESH	Lota,Macha,Pandvani
MAHARASHTRA	Dahikala,Lavani,Lezim,Tamasha
MANIPUR	Lai Haroba, Maha Rassa,
MIZORAM	Chiraw (Bamboo Dance)
ODISHA	Bahaka Wata, Dandanata
PUNJAB	Gidda, Bhangra
RAJASTHAN	Bhavai, Chamar Ginad, Kayanga  Bajavanga, Khayal,  Jhulan Leela, Gangore
UTTAR PRADESH	Kumaon, Nautanki, Karan, Kajri, Chappeli
WEST BENGAL	Chhau, Jatra, Kathi,
TAMIL NADU	Kummi, Therukkoothu, Kolattam