Indian classical dance, known as Bharata Natyam, is characterized by three main criteria: hand gestures, nine primary facial expressions depicting emotions, and dance steps. The hand gestures include 28 single hand gestures and 24 combined hand gestures used for communication. The nine primary facial expressions represent love, mirth, heroism, anger, terror, disgust, wonder, compassion, and tranquility. The dance steps incorporate different movements combining the hands, legs, and other parts of the body.