India has many dance forms, including classical, folk, and religious dances.
Classical dances
Bharatanatyam: The oldest traditional Indian dance form
Kathak: A popular dance form in northern India, with rhythmic footwork and pirouettes
Kuchipudi: A dance form from Andhra Pradesh that combines dance, drama, and music
Kathakali: A dance-drama form from Kerala that features elaborate makeup, costumes, and face masks
Manipuri: An ancient dance form from Manipur that depicts the love of Radha and Krishna
Odissi: A lyrical and sensuous dance from Orissa that originated as temple duty
Folk dances Come from every state in India and Are more than just body movements.
Religious dances
Kathakali is a religious dance that draws inspiration from the Ramayana and Shaiva traditions
Many Indian classical dances are performed in devotion to Hindu deities
Other notable figures
Uday Shankar is known as the "Father of modern Indian dance"
The Sangeet Natak Academy recognizes eight classical dance forms
Indian classical dances are vibrant, expressive, and spiritual.