Classical Dances of India been preserved through the centuries and become an important part of our present culture. Each and every classical dance of India is regarded as the specialty of a particular region or tribe and follows its own pattern, be it terms of music, steps, costumes or make-up. Indian classical dance forms can be traced back to 400 BC, to the times of Natya Sastra of Bharata Muni. In fact, Bharata's Natya Sastra, considered to be the Bible of Indian aestheticians, is the most important source for establishing the characteristics of the dances. At present, some of the popular classical dances of India are Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam and Odissi. These dances have, no doubt, brought about a sensation in the western countries as well. Today, each of the popular Indian classical dances has an identity of its own and crossing all the boundaries, is recognized globally.
The dance style described as Bollywood (i.e. that of the boisterous Indian musical spectacle) is not just a new international sensation that's spawned a fitness craze. It's based on an enduring legacy of culturally influenced forms.
Bharatnatyam Native to Tamil Nadu (a state in Southern India), Bharatanatyam is one of the popular Indian classical dance forms. It was previously referred to as Sadir, Dasiattam and Thanjavur Natyam. The dance form demands unconditional and complete dedication from the side of the performer. Kathak Kathak, which originated in northern India, represents one of the eight forms of Indian classical dances. The name Kathak has been derived from the Sanskrit word 'katha', meaning story. Thus, 'katthaka' means the one who tells a story. Kathak focuses more on the footwork of the dancer.
[source of the following: ILoveIndia.com]
In India, dancing is considered to be an age-old tradition. A land of diverse cultures, traditions and languages, the country has given birth to a large number of classical dances, shaped by the influences of a specific period and environment. These dance forms have
Kathakali The picturesque state of Kerala has gifted India with a dance drama known as Kathakali. Embedded in stories from the epics, Ramayana, Mahabharata and from the Puranas (ancient scriptures), the dance form is believed to have originated in the 16th century. -54-
