Classical Dances of India

Andhra Pradesh	·                 Kuchipudi derives its name from the name of a village (Kuchelapuram) of its origin. ·         It closely resembles Bharatnatyam. However, its movements are much faster and style is free. ·
Tamil Nadu	·                 Bharatanatyam The earliest exponents of Bharatnatyam were the devadasis (temple dancers) in South India. ·         The technique of Bharatanatyam consists of 64 Principles of coordinated hand, foot, face and body movements which are performed to accompaniment of dance syllables, popularly known as bols.
North India	·                  Kathak The word Kathak is derived from Katha which means story. ·         The Kathak dance goes through a regular format mostly concentrating of rhythm, variously called tathar, paltas, thoras, amad and parans.
Kerala	·                  Kathakali  combines music, poetry, mine and drama. This dance-drama is usually performed in the open and usually lasts the whole night. ·         The themes are taken from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and Hindu mythology.        M ohiniattam The word ‘mohine’ literally means a maiden who exerts desire or steals the heart of the onlooker.   ·         In format, this is similar to odissi and costumes sober and attractive. ·         It is essentially a solo dance.
Bihar	·                  Nat-Natin  is one of the important dance of Bihar. It is performed by both Men and Women.
Himachal Pradesh	·                  Nati This dance depicts all the activities involved in sowing the crop and reaping it. ·         Important among the dances of Nati is ‘Losar Shona Chuksom’ which takes its name from Lasai, or the New year.
J&K	·                  Rauf it is the most popular dance in the Kashmir Valley and is restricted only to the women folk.
Karnataka	·                  Hattari The Hattari dance is doen during harvesting season among the Kodvas of coorg in Mysore ·                  Yakshagana It is one of the popular folk dance-drama as it contains a good number of classical and literary elements besides those of many folk and tribal ones.
Uttarakhand	·                  Garhwali The people of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand are fond of dancing, as testified by the several distinct dance forms. ·         The Garhwali dance forms are: Langvir Nritya, Barada Nati, Shotiya and Pandva Nritya etc.
Asom	·                  Bihu dance is a folk dance from the Indian state of Asom related to the festival of Bihu. ·         This joyous dance is performed by both young men and women and is-characterized by brisk dance steps, and rapid hand movement. ·         Dancers wear traditionally colourful Assamese clothing.