The Dance Traditions of India: Where Stories Move
By Naetra Joshi
India is a land where stories and culture are not only spoken, but danced. From temple courtyards to royal courts and village festivals, movement, rhythm, and expression have long been used to communicate devotion, celebration, and history. As of 2025, the Ministry of Culture recognizes nine classical dance forms of India, each originating from a different region and reflecting their unique traditions, beliefs, and artistic identity.
Bharatnatyam originated in the southern state Tamil Nadu, and is one of the most popular forms of classical dance in all of India. It is also considered the oldest form. It is linked to the Devadasi tradition, with roots in the ancient Sanskrit text Natya Shastra. Bharatnatyam involves very precise footwork in a half-squat position, called Aramandi, hand gestures (mudras), and facial expressions to convey the story they are telling. It is usually accompanied by traditional Carnatic music and ankle bells (ghungroos) accentuating rhythmic patterns. The dancers are usually dressed in vibrant silk saris (or pyjama-style costumes) with elaborate ornaments, and apply Alta (red dye) on their hands and feet to highlight gestures and add vibrancy.
Kathak originated up North in Uttar Pradesh, defined by intricate footwork (tutkar) with ankle bells, fast spins (chakkars), and expressive storytelling (abhinaya), blending together Hindu mythology and Persian/Mughal court aesthetics. There are distinct forms of this dance, named after the cities where they developed. Jaipur-style Kathak focuses on footwork and technical skill, whereas Lucknow-style Kathak focuses more on grace and emotional expression. Banaras-style Kathak is known for its rhythmic storytelling, especially tales of Krishna, and blends together folk and classical. Female dancers are typically dressed in a flared lehenga with a blouse or an Anarkali suit, often accompanied by a shawl. Men are dressed in dhoti kurtas, and they both wear ornate jewelry, with styles varying from traditional Hindu and Mughal influences.
Kathakali is a vibrant Indian dance form from the South in Kerala, characterized by its elaborate makeup, costumes, and ornate headdresses, telling stories from the Hindu epics, focusing on the triumph of good over evil. They wear color-coded makeup; they paint their faces green to symbolize Gods, and red/black to symbolize demons. These performances usually feature live music, and start at dusk and often continue through the night. These dancers wear heavy costumes with towering headgear (kirīṭam), voluminous skirts, and ornate jewelry. They may also wear masks or false beards when required.
Kuchipudi is from Andhra Pradesh, a state in the southeastern part of India, and blends dance and drama, often including dialogue rooted in Hindu mythology. It originated in the town of Kuchipudi (hence the name) and was formalized in the 14th century by sage Siddhenra Yogi. This dance is traditionally performed by male troupes, usually Brahmins, and has a unique feature of dancing on brass plates, called Taragam. The male dancers usually wear dhotis. Over time, the dance has evolved to include female dancers as well, who wear beautiful silk saris.
Odissi originated in the eastern state of Odisha. It is known for its fluid movements, distinct poses such as Tribhangi (three bend) and Chauka (square stance) and deep spiritual themes focusing on stories and expressions of love for deities, especially Krishna. It evolved from devotional temple performances by Mahari (temple dancers) and Gotipua (boy dancers). Odissi dancers wear a vibrant silk sari, draped to allow movement, paired with an embellished blouse, a decorative front frill, and silver anklet bells. The look is completed with intricate silver jewelry, and elaborate hairstyles with flower or temple designs, creating an aesthetic inspired by temple sculptures.
Manipuri (also known as Jagoi) originated in the northeastern state of Manipur and is known for its gentle wave-like movements. This dance presents themes of Radha and Krishna’s divine love (Raas Leela) and uses traditional instruments such as the Pung drum and flutes for music, rooted in Vaishnavite traditions and indigenous beliefs. Manipuri dancers wear colorful, richly embroidered attire symbolizing grace, with women in the iconic Kumil (a stiff, flared skirt with mirror work) over a Phanek (wrap-around), a fitted Choli, and a sheer Odhni (veil), while men wear a white Dhoti, a velvet jacket, and sometimes a peacock feather crown for Krishna, all adorned with traditional jewelry to highlight flowing movements.
Mohiniyattam originated in Kerala and is a graceful solo dance that embodies feminine charm, devotion, and spiritual love. It was inspired by Lord Vishnu’s Mohini avatar and is also known as the “Dance of the Enchantress.” The dance is characterized by soft, flowing movements, gentle sways of the torso, and subtle expressions that emphasize lasya (grace and elegance) rather than sharp or vigorous motions. It is predominantly feminine, with dancers traditionally wearing white or off-white costumes with gold borders, reflecting Kerala’s traditional attire. The music is based on Carnatic style, and the lyrics are in Manipravalam, a blend of Malayalam and Sanskrit, which enhances the lyrical and emotive storytelling of the performance.
Sattriya is a 15th-century classical dance form from Assam, a state in the northeast, developed by the Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankaradev as a medium to spread devotion to Lord Krishna through storytelling and performance. Originally performed by male monks (bhokots) within monasteries called sattras, the dance later evolved to include female performers and stage presentations. Sattriya combines expressive gestures (abhinaya), rhythmic footwork, and fluid movements such as Sarpagati (snake-like) and Hamsagati (swan-like), often portraying episodes from Krishna’s life and Vaishnavite philosophy. Dancers wear traditional Assamese silk costumes, with women in a Ghuri (pleated skirt), Chadar (long scarf), and Kanchi (waist cloth), and men in a Dhoti, Chadar, and Paguri (turban), typically made from white or raw silk and complemented by intricate Assamese jewelry.
Though rooted in folk and martial traditions, Chhau is recognized as a classical dance form. It is an energetic Indian folk dance from Eastern India (Jharkhand, W. Bengal, Odisha) rooted in martial arts, acrobatics, and tribal traditions. It also features leaps, somersaults, bent-knee movements, and symbolic hand gestures (mudras), performed by all-male troupes during festivals, often using elaborate masks to depict Gods, demons, and epic stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas, accompanied by traditional drums and pipes. Chhau dancers wear elaborate, colorful costumes featuring large, expressive masks (often handmade from clay/paper), elaborate headdresses with tinsel and flowers, and vibrant clothing like dhoti and kurtas for men, or saris for female characters, all adorned with rich jewelry, symbolizing mythological figures with detailed designs for Gods, demons, or animals.
India is also home to many unique folk dances. Bhangra (Punjab) is a high-energy harvest dance with dhol beats, often paired with Giddha. Garba and Dandiya Raas (Gujarat) are celebratory dances done during Navrati, involving circular movements and sticks. Ghoomar (Rajasthan) involves intricate circular movements and hand gestures from people in heavy costumes. Bihu (Assam) is a joyful dance performed by young men and women with quick steps and swaying hips. Lavani (Maharashtra) is a powerful dance form from the Maratha empire, known for its beauty. Yakshagana (Karnataka) is a traditional theater form with mythological themes. Dhumal (Jammu and Kashmir) is performed by men, known for its distinctive costumes. Fudgi (Goa) is a rhythmic dance often performed during festivals.
In conclusion, the dance forms of India reflect the soul of the nation—its traditions, stories, and emotions passed down through generations. From classical dances rooted in ancient scriptures to lively folk dances celebrating festivals and daily life, each style contributes to India’s vibrant cultural identity. As these dance forms continue to grow beyond India and inspire people all over the world, they serve as a reminder that art has the power to connect cultures, preserve history, and express beauty without words. Indian dance is more than just a performance – it is a living art form that celebrates identity, spirituality, and unity in diversity.