There are 8 classical dances that originate from different regions of India: Bharatanatyam from South India, Kathak from North India, Kathakali from Kerala, Odissi from Orissa, Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, Manipuri from Manipur, Mohiniattam influenced by Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, and Sattriya from Assam. Each dance has its own unique style of costumes, makeup, movements, and musical influences based on the culture and stories of its place of origin.

1. Classical Dances of
India

2. Types of Classical Dances
•Bharatanatyam
•Kathak
•Kathakali
•Odissi
•Kuchipudi
•Manipuri
•Mohiniattam
•Sattriya

3. Bharatanatyam

4.  Comes from the words
Bhava (expression), Raga
(music), Tala (rhythm) and Natya
(classical theater)
 Originates in South India
 Performance
Consists of multiple items
Nritta– pure dance movements
Abhinaya– dramatic art of
storytelling
Nritya– combination of nritta &
abhinaya

5. Kathak

6.  Derived from Katha (story) and
Katthaka (who tells stories)
 Originates from North India.
 3 main gharanas or schools:
Lucknow, Jaipur & Benares
 Performance
Progresses from slow to fast pieces
Footwork & spins

7. Kathakali

8.  Originates from Kerala state
 Attractive make-up of
characters and elaborate
costumes
 Performance
Combination of 5 elementsNatyam (expression),
Nritham (dance), Nrithyam
(enactment), Geetham
(vocal) and Vadyam
(instruments)

9. Odissi

10. 
Originates from Orissa

Schools of Odissi
Mahari, Nartaki & Gotipua
 Main Emphasis-
Tribhangi- independent movement
of head, chest
Chauka- basic square stance
 Music – Odissi music

11. Kuchipudi

12.  Originates from Andhra Pradesh state in
South India
 Shares many common elements with
Bharatanatyam
 Unique Kuchipudi dance-
Tarangam- dancer dances on plate with
diyas in the hands and vessel of water on
the head

13. Manipuri

14.  Originates from Manipur state
 Performance
Movements are subtle and aim at
devotion and grace
Rounded movements without jerks
and sharp lines
Dancers feet never strike the ground
hard

15. Mohiniattam

16. 
Comes from the wordsMohini- temptress and
Attam- dance

Graceful dance performed only
by women
Influences from Bharatanatyam
and Kathakali


17. Sattriya
 Originates in Assam state
 Performance
Based on mythological stories
Performed by men and women
 Recognized as one of the classical
dance forms of India in 2000

18. Thank You