Bharata Natyam
Bharata Natyam is one of the oldest forms of Natya Shastra of south India. Its origination can be traced to the Art Form of Temples. This natya shastra later developed to become one of the most popular performing arts of India.Bharata Natyam derives its name from the first syllable of its three main elements,Bhaava or mood, Raaga or melody/ song, Taala or rhythmic timing. Natyam meaning combination of dancing and acting.
Kathak
Kathak is a popular dance form of North India. It originated as a Temple Art Form, depecting Kathas or stories from the Hindu Mythology. It later concentrated on the leelas of Radha-Krishna. Kathak is based on the natural flowing movement of the body/hands emphasizing on rhythm with intricate foot movement rather than on hand gestures or Mudras.
Odissi
Odissi is a soft classical dance of Orissa. This dance is based on the lores of the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, which is Lord Krishna. Through this dance they s represent the philosophy of Orissa’s most important god "Jagannath." Odissi is considered the oldest dance form. Various Odissi dance postures can be seen in the ancient Sun Temple at Konarak.
Kuchipudi
This is a dance style originating from Andhra Pradesh. It is not merely a dance form, but a combination of dance, gestures, speech and song.The central item of the kuchipudi repertoirethe "Bhama Kalpagam" was composed by the Telugu poet,Sidhendra Yogi, in the 13th century.This dance form was performed mainly in the temples by men belonging to the Brahmin community.
Kathakali
Rich dance drama from the southern state of Kerala dating back to the 17th century. Adorned in huge skirts and elaborate face masks and heavy makeup, the dancers depict characters from the Ramayana and the Maharbharata. This dance was mainly performed in the temple courtyards.
Also performed by the males.
Mohiniattam
This dance also traces its origins back to Kerala.It was specially created for the females.It has been understood that the word "mohini" is derived from Lord Vishnu, when he took the form of mohini.This dance differs from the others in two very distinct ways:It has no religious conotations.It did not flourish in the temple precints.It is a dance performed with sheer enchantment with the dancers using wide swinging steps and gyrating torsos.
Baarkha Naach (ancient thaaru ballet)
Native to Narayanpur, Nepal, it is a Thaaru version of the Mahabharata. It is an elaborate puja dance
