The forms of classical dances in India are varied and each carries the ethos of the region of its emancipation and speaks of the distinct land of its imagination. The eight major forms of classical dances in India are Kathakali of Kerala, Mohiniattyam of Kerala, Sattriya of Kerala, Manipuri of Manipur, Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh, Odissi of Orissa, Kathak of Uttar Pradesh and Bharatnatyam of Tamil Nadu. These eight classical dance forms are given the status of classical dance by the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama.
The folk dances of India are varied and rich. Some of the famous folk dances of Assam are Ghoomar of Rajasthan, Chhau of Orissa or Bihra, Bhangra of Pnjab and Bihu of Assam. These dances carry the cultural flavor of the land they originate from.
The first treatise on dance in India is “Natyashastra” by Bharata, a book on acting or Natya. “Natya” is a broad concept, which encompasses both dance and drama.
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