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Dance is a physical and visual art form which has an immediate and massive impact on the on-looker. The various Indian forms act like a window to India's rich culture. Dance is a form of art, where the body is used as a medium of communication. Indian dances have influenced several other realms of art like poetry, sculpture, architecture, literature, music and theatre. The earliest archaeological evidence is a beautiful statuette of a dancing girl dated around 6000 BC. Bharata's Natya Shastra (believed to have been penned between the 2nd century B.C. and 2nd century A.D) is the earliest available treatise on dramaturgy. All forms of Indian classical dances owe allegiance to Natya Shastra, regarded as the fifth Veda.

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Bharata Natyam :-

Bharata Natyam, which originates from the state of Tamil Nadu in South India, is one of the most popular dance styles in India. A popular interpretation of the name of the style is:

BHAva (expression) + RAga (musical mode) + TAla (rhythm) NATYAM (dance) = BHARATA NATYAM

Kathak:-

His style from northern India has gained immense popularity today. It is known for its sparkling footwork, fast whirling movements and subtle abhinaya or mimetic dance. It almost never fails to capture the audience and this ability is probably because of its long history in the courts of emperor's and kings.

Kathakali:- History of Kathakali

Besides the Nataraja figure , the face of the Kathakali artist has perhaps been one of the most exploited ones in modern media and propaganda campaigns. The green mask painted on a face which is almost shadowed by the huge crown on top of the head, which is used to represent Indian art is well known all over the world. However the grandeur of this art form can be felt only if one sees a live performance in an open air theatre with huge oil lamps lighting the artists and sounds of the drums surging through one's blood.

Kuchipudi:-

In the 13th century there was a young man named Siddhappa whose marriage was arranged to a beautiful girl. Unfortunately while crossing the river to attend his wedding his boat capsized and he was on the verge of being drowned. He pleaded with God to save him and promised to dedicate his life to the service of God. Miraculously he was saved, and on that day, he was "re-born" as Siddhendra Yogi. He wrote a drama in praise of Krishna and gathered dancers to perform the same. These dancers were all male as he felt the inclusion of females might lead to the decadence of the art. This style which had its origins in the Bhagavata Mela Natakam or dance drama tradition has come to be known as the Kuchipudi dance style today. The dance style gets its name from the village called Kuchipudi, where this dance drama tradition was nurtured in all its sanctity for many decades. In the photograph, are Guru Raja and Radha and Kausalya Reddy, famous exponents of this form.

Mohini Attam:-

Coming from the state of Manipur in the northeast region of India, this style never fails to impress with its lyrical movements. It takes the mind on a peaceful and quiet journey which is almost a prerequisite for happy human existence.

Manipuri:-

A style exclusively performed by women, comes from the state of Kerala in southern India. The name comes from the myths which say that Vishnu assumed the form of a beautiful enchantress time and again in order to protect Truth.

Odlssi:-
It is as late the 1950's that the present day Odissi style of dance came into existence. This style emerged from a confluence of scholars, teachers of traditional dance traditions and musicians.

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