: Bharatanatyam (also spelled Bharathanatyam, Bharatnatyam or Bharata Natyam) is a classical dance form originating in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Originally known as sadir, it owes its current name to Krishna Iyer and later, Rukmini Devi Arundale.
: Kathak is an Indian dance form that arose from the Vaishnava devotees dancing to the episodes from Krishna's life. Originally a Northern Indian temple dance, it was transformed to a court dance in the Mughal era.
: Kathakali (katha means story, kali means play or performance) is an expressive form of Indian dance-drama. It originated in the South Indian state of Kerala, over 500 years ago and is considered as one of the oldest dance forms. It is a spectacular combination of drama, dance, music and ritual.
: The Kuchupudi or Kuchipudi Style is a classical dance is now known world-wide. This dance form is said to have evolved out of the Nattuva Melas, a classical style.
: Mohiniaattam (also spelled as mohiniattam or mohiniyattam) is a traditional South Indian dance form Kerala, India. It is a very graceful dance meant to be performed as a solo recital by women.
: Odissi (or Orissi) is the traditional style of dance which originated in the temples of the state of Orissa in Eastern India, where it was performed by the devadasis.
Indian dance is based on the treatise Natyashasthra by the sage Bharatha, which explains the Indian art of acting. Acting or natya is a broad concept which encompasses both drama and dance.
