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Indian Dance Forms: Dance is the art of expressing your heart on your face by body movements in rhythm with music or any soulful sound. It exists in the world right from the beginning of the human race and has taken different forms and names over a prolonged period. Dance is often considered a way of celebration, expressing joy and happiness of the mind and soul.
Statewise Different Dances Forms
State
Dance Form
Andhra Pradesh
Kuchipudi
Goa
Fugdi
Gujarat
Garba, Dandiya Raas
Haryana
Chhathi Dance, Phag Dance
Chhattisgarh
Panthi
Maharashtra
Lavani
Manipur
Manipuri
Rajasthan
Ghoomar, Kalbelia
Sikkim
Sikkimese Dance
Punjab
Bhangra, Giddha
Madhya Pradesh
Matki Dance
Jharkhand
Chhau
Karnataka
Yakshagana
Kerala
Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thirayattam
Odisha
Odissi
Tamil Nadu
Bharatanatyam
Arunachal Pradesh
Buiya
Assam
Bihu Sattriya
Bihar
Jat-Jatin Jhumarnach
Nagaland
Chang Lo
Uttar Pradesh
Kathak, Rasa Lila
Uttarakhand
Langvir Nritya
Himachal Pradesh
Nati
Jammu and Kashmir
Rouff, Hikat
Meghalaya
Nongkrem Dance
Mizoram
Cheraw
Telangana
Perini Shivatandavam
Tripura
Hojagiri
The 2 major dance forms in India are
Folk Dance emerged from the local tradition of the respective state, ethnic or geographic regions.
Classical Dance has a deep-rooted relationship with the Natya Shastra where the specific features of each Classical dance form have been mentioned.
Folk Dances in India
Folk Dance
Region
Description
Bhangra
Punjab
Energetic dance performed during harvest festivals, characterized by lively movements and clapping.
Garba
Gujarat
Graceful dance performed in circular formations during Navratri, often using decorated sticks.
Kathakali
Kerala
Classical dance-drama from Kerala, showcasing mythological stories through facial expressions and gestures.
Bihu
Assam
Set of three lively folk dances celebrated during harvest festivals, known for vibrant costumes.
Dandiya Raas
Gujarat, Rajasthan
Energetic dance with sticks, performed during Navratri to celebrate victory of good over evil.
Lavani
Maharashtra
Sensuous dance with rhythmic movements, often accompanied by traditional folk songs.
Ghoomar
Rajasthan
Traditional Rajasthani dance with graceful twirling movements, usually performed by women.
Chhau
West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand
Martial dance with dance, mime, and acrobatics elements, performed in various styles.
Yakshagana
Karnataka
Elaborate dance drama depicting mythological tales, with vibrant costumes and makeup.
Rouff
Kashmir
Delicate folk dance performed by women during weddings and festive occasions.
Statewise Folk Dance in India
State
Folk Dances
Andhra Pradesh
Kuchipudi, Vilasini Natyam, Lambadi
Arunachal Pradesh
Buiya, Popir
Assam
Bihu, Sattriya, Ojapali
Bihar
Jat-Jatin, Jhumarnach
Chhattisgarh
Panthi, Raut Nacha
Goa
Dekhni, Fugdi
Gujarat
Garba, Dandiya Raas
Haryana
Saang, Phag
Himachal Pradesh
Nati, Kullu Naati
Jammu and Kashmir
Rouff, Hafiza
Jharkhand
Chhau, Mundari
Karnataka
Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha
Kerala
Kathakali, Mohiniyattam
Madhya Pradesh
Gaur Maria, Matki
Maharashtra
Lavani, Tamasha
Manipur
Manipuri
Meghalaya
Nongkrem
Mizoram
Cheraw, Khuallam
Nagaland
Chang Lo, Sekrenyi
Odisha
Gotipua, Dalkhai
Punjab
Bhangra, Giddha
Rajasthan
Ghoomar, Kalbelia
Sikkim
Singhi Chham
Tamil Nadu
Bharatanatyam, Karagattam
Telangana
Perini Shivatandavam, Gobbi
Tripura
Lebang Boomani
Uttar Pradesh
Raslila, Charkula
Uttarakhand
Langvir Nritya, Barada Nati
West Bengal
Baul, Gambhira
Classical Dances of Indian States
Classical Dance Form
Origin
Description
Bharatanatyam
Tamil Nadu
One of India’s prominent classical dance forms, originating in Tamil Nadu. Known for its intricate forms and expressions. It’s recognized as the mother of many other Indian classical dance forms.
Kathak
Uttar Pradesh
A classical dance form from Uttar Pradesh. Originated with traveling bards known as Kathakars or storytellers.
Kathakali
Kerala
A classical dance form from Kerala with deep-rooted traditions. Evolved from Ramanattam and incorporates techniques from major ritual art forms.
Kuchipudi
Andhra Pradesh
A dance-drama performance art originating in Andhra Pradesh. Rooted in Hindu Sanskrit texts and connected to temples and spirituality.
Manipuri
Manipur
Originating in Manipur, this dance form is associated with rituals and festivals. Has references to dances of deities like Shiva and Parvati.
Mohiniyattam
Kerala
A semi-classical dance form from Kerala, performed by women in honor of the Hindu god Vishnu as Mohini.
Odissi
Odisha
A dance-drama genre with spiritual and devotional themes, from Odisha. Known for its symbolic costumes and body movements.
Sattriya
Assam
A devotional dance form to honor Lord Krishna. Features unique movements, instruments, and costumes.
Chhau
Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal
Found in Eastern India, Chhau is a dance form not recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. It preserves tradition with energetic movements.
Statewise Folk Dances in India
State
Dance Form
Significance
Tamil Nadu
Bharatanatyam
The art form of Bharatanatyam is a captivating dancing style that combines elegant hand motions, rhythmic footwork, and expressive facial expressions to tell ancient stories.
Uttar Pradesh
Kathak
It is a north Indian dance form with spins and complex footwork conveying stories of ancient culture.
Kerala
Kathakali
With elaborate costumes and make-up, this South Indian dance form conveys powerful emotions.
Andhra Pradesh
Kuchipudi
This Indian dance form is a fusion of drama and fast-paced rhythmic movements.
Manipur
Manipuri
This dance form has gentle footwork and soft expressions to celebrate the culture of Manipur.
Kerala
Mohiniyattam
With soft movements and expressions, this dance form gives importance to lyrical stories.
Odisha
Odissi
Odissi dance form celebrates womanhood with elegant postures and mudras representing the Hindu mythology.
Assam
Sattriya
This dance form is a devotional performance to Lord Krishna. It gives importance to unique movements, musical instruments and costumes.
Eastern India
Chhau
Eastern India (Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal) – Not recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, this Indian dance form preserves the tradition with energetic movements.
Editor at GetCoolTricks.com. Bharathi covers topics on Competitive exams, How To guides, Current exams, Current Affairs, Study Materials, etc. Follow her on social media using the links below.
