FAMOUS DANCE FORMS OF INDIA

[1] Bhangra : Bhangra is a lively form of folk music and dance that originates from Punjab. People traditionally performed Bhangra when celebrating the harvest.

[2] Bharatanatyam: Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form of South India, said to be originated in Thanjavoor of Tamil Nadu. The name 'Bharatanatyam' is derived from three basic concepts of Bhava, Raga and Taala.

[3] Bihu: Bihu is the National Festival of Assam. There are three Bihu festivals in Assam and they are celebrated in the months of Bohaag (the middle of April), Maagh (the middle of January), and Kaati (the middle of October).

[4] Chau Dance : Chau dance is form of tribal martial dance attributed to origins in Mayurbhanj and seen in the Indian states of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Orissa.

[5] Dandiya Dance :Dandiya is the most important dance of Navratri evenings in Gujarat. An idolization of nari-shakti, the dandiya epitomizes the victory of good over evil.

[6] Dindi Dance : Dindi dance is a folk dance that is prevalent in Maharashtra.

[7] Garba : Garba is a popular dance form of Gujarat.

[8] Ghoomar Dance : Ghoomar is a traditional women's folk dance of Rajasthan, India, which was developed by the Bhil tribe and was adopted by the Rajputs.

[9] Gidda : The Gidda is a popular folk dance of the women in Punjab and is a way to exhibit teasing, fun, exuberance of the life in Punjab.

[10] Kathak : Kathak is an important classical dance form of India, and an increasingly popular theatre art form of the world. The word Kathak is derived from katha, meaning "storytelling." It’s a dance form which tells a story. Originally, this community of artists known as ‘Kathakars’ narrated stories in temples of North India.

[11] Kathakali : Kathakali is a form of Indian dance drama. It originated in the Southern Indian state of Kerala during the late 16th century.

[12] Kuchipudi : Kuchipudi is the classical dance form from the South-East Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

[13] Lavani/Tamasha : Tamasha is a form of theatre, which came into existence in the early 16th century in Maharashtra, which includes the love songs i.e. `Lavanis` due to which, this folk art, was very popular among the common people.

[14] Manipuri : Manipuri dance is one of the major Indian classical dance forms. It originates from Manipur, a state in north-eastern India on the border with Myanmar.

[15] Mohini Attam : Mohini attam or Mohiniyattam is a traditional dance from South India, specifically from the state of Kerala in India.

[16] Odissi : Odissi dance is the typical classical dance form of Orissa and has its origin in the temples.