Traditional Dances of India - Classical Indian Dance Forms

For thousands of years, India has been known for its rich cultural heritage and dance contributes significantly to this valuable heritage. Traditional dance forms as well as Indian Folk Dances over the past thousand years, have flourished in all parts of India. If we look back in time, we will find a large number of sculptural evidences that point towards this fact. In the olden days, people indulged in various forms of dance to celebrate special occasions as well as during deity worship. With time, these dance forms developed their own distinctive style. Many factors contributed towards their structural development such as the geographical aspects and social & economic conditions, etc.

Today, however, classical Indian dances are taught and practiced on a more global level. Several dance schools all across the country teach classical dance forms to students who would like to make it their profession. Dance performances by trained, professional classical dancers is also well regarded and much in demand.

Emotions that shape Traditional Dances of India It is believed that all classical dances in India are based around any of the 9 core emotions or 'Rasas'. These include Fear (Bhaya), Sorrow (Shoka), Happiness (Hasya), Anger (Krodh), Compassion (Karuna), Serenity (Shant), Disgust (Bhibasta), Wonder (Adhbhuta), & Courage (Viram).

Let's take a look at some of India's Classical Dance Forms -

Famous Indian Classical Dancers Here is a short list of some well known Masters of Classical Indian Dance -