Indian classical dance has a wide variety of umbrella terms, from performance arts to classical music, whose theory and practice can be traced to the Sanskrit text Natya Shastra. The number of classical dances ranges from eight. Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali, Sattriya, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam are the dance forms of India. Scholars such as Drid Williams add that Chau and Bhagavata Mela are also noticeable dance forms. 

The Indian Ministry of Culture added the Chau dance form to the list. The dance consists of compositions in Telugu, Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Malayalam. Irrespective of the languages, all dance forms represent a unity of core ideas in various styles, costumes, and expressions. Presently there are a total of 9 types of classical dance forms in India.

The Origin of Classical dance forms:

Natya Shastra is the famous text for classical dances of India, and this text is attributed mainly to ancient scholars. The most famous version of the Natya Shastra text consisted of about 6000 verses, divided into 36 chapters. The text describes the theory of Tandava dance of Lord Shiva, the theory of rasa, of Bhava, expression, gestures, acting techniques, basic steps, and various standing postures. Thus these things are all considered in the classical dance form of India. Dance and performance arts stated that ancient texts are a form of spiritual ideas, virtues, and the essence of scriptures of the dance forms in India. 

Natya Shastra described a lot regarding the religious arts, or a traditional spiritual path that led to the folk entertainment is called a popular regional practice.

Indian classical dances are traditionally performed as an expressive drama-dance form of religious performance. They are either performed inside the sanctum of a Hindu temple or near it. Folk entertainment is also performed in temple grounds or any fairground, typically in a rural setting, by traveling troupes of artists.

However, this is not the case for Kathak and Manipuri, as it has their uniqueness. Kathak can also be performed on courtyards of mosques and has Muslim elements, while Manipuri had that genre that focuses on combat. 

A brief about the Dance Forms of India:-

India became one of the culturally rich countries. It is a place where every state has its language, cuisine, dance forms, and different status. India has always been famous for its traditional, classical, folk, and tribal dance styles contribution all over the world, which is just simply amazing. Bharatanatyam is the oldest and one of India’s most popular dance forms. So, let’s talk about India’s 6 most famous dance forms.

• Bharatanatyam:- Bharatanatyam is the mother of all other classical dance styles in India. It is considered to be the oldest dance form in the country. This dance originated mainly from the temple dancers in Tamil Nadu. The dance is the purity of expressions, music, beat, and rhythm.

• Kathak:- Kathak originated from Uttar Pradesh in north India is another example of the wide diversity of classical dances in India. The name here is derived from the word “Katha,”meaning ‘story’, and during the whole dance, the dancers narrate stories through their eyes and expressions, which is an amazing thing to look at.

• Kathakali:- Kathakali dance forms are probably one of the most attractive, dramatic, and elaborate Indian Classical Dance forms. Kathakali originated in the South Indian state of Kerala,  which is also known as God’s Own Countryat the time of the 17th century. The artist dancing needs to have detailed make-up, wear heavy costumes, and, most importantly, they should work on their gestures.

• Kuchipudi:-Kuchipudi is one of the toughest forms of Indian classical dance forms that originated in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh state. This dance form is considered the toughest because it requires a lot of rituals, starting from lighting the incense sticks to sprinkling holy water and praying to the lord.

• Manipuri:- Manipuri dance form originated in the North-Eastern state of Manipur, and it is a purely spiritual experience. This is a theme-based classical dance form that depicts Rasilaor the romantic art present between Hindu gods, such as Radha and Krishna. Costumes and makeup play an important role in Manipuri Dance forms.

• Odissi:-  Odissi dance is mainly originated from the East Indian state of Odisha, where it is mainly derived from the Ancient Hindu temples present in Odisha. The whole dance form is based mainly on gestures and movement, specially Mudras. The dance is performed to express the mythical stories of Hindu gods, such as Lord Shiva and Surya. It is also considered the oldest surviving dance form of India.

Conclusion:

Each nation has its soul, which tries to express itself in many ways through thoughts and activities. The culture of an eastern nation differs in several essential points from that of a western nation. There are some distinctive features of Indian classical dance which distinguish it from other dances of the world. And if our youth are to be trained to be channels for expressing our national consciousness, the training of dance we impart to them must be truly national, truly Indian in spirit.