Classical Dance forms/styles of India

• Bharatnatyam: Regions- Tanjawar province [Tamilnadu, and also parts of Andhra and Karnatak]
• Kathak : Region - North India [Gharans: Banaras, Jaipur, Lucknow] This style of dance is influenced by Thumri and is suited for Men and Women both.
• Kathakali : Region - Keral, only men perform, masculine style, themes: fight between good and evil, mythological stories
• Manipuri : Region - Manipur, Bengal, basically a dance-drama (theatrical) and performed in group with 'Rasleela' and 'Krishngopi' themes
• Kuchipudi: Region: Andrha Pradesh, similar to Bharatnatyam but little more feminine, earlier this was a dance-drama with 3 characters namely Krishna, Satybhama and Rukmini. Creator: Sinddhendra Yogi (12th century)
• Thitambu Nritham: One of the popular art forms of North Kerala, 'Thitambu Nritham'
• Odissi : Region - Orissa, Sister style of Bharatnatyam
• Mohiniattam : Region: Kerala, feminine style and performed by women only, Sister style of Bharatnatyam

There are various dance styles performed in India and these are divided into 3 main categories

1. Folk Dance
2. Popular Dance
3. Classical Dance

We've discussed here classical dance forms of India. Please click on the above links to get detailed info on each dance form. In the category of classical dance, we have four major dance styles namely: 1) Bharatnatyam 2) Kathak 3) Manipuri 4) Kathakali and other sister styles namely 5) Odissi 6) Kuchipudi 7) Mohiniattam. There are few more less known dance forms like Satreya (from Orissa, relatively recent and in the process of getting defined). A common feature in all dance styles is singing of 'Ashtapadi' from Geet Govindam as an accompaniment to dance. This composition is changed according to its dance style, language and regional music. 'Ashtapadi' is not sung in Kathakali.

In one of its kind attempt Shri Uday Shankar brought all these dance styles on national level and now all the above mentioned styles are popular world wide.