The dance heritage of India is nearly 5000 years old. Classical dance is the dance of the mind, the soul and the divine. It
is a physical expression of art, dedication and devotion. It has its origin in the temples where it was used to illustrate the hindu mythologies.
Classical dances are based on the Natya Shastra, Written by Sage Bharata in the second century A.D. It is believed that the creator (Brahma) created them to give joy in life to the gods who found their cosmic functions heavly and dreary. Classical dances have heen modified and redefined from time to time.The major Indian classical dances are:
Folk dances were developed by the villages or tribes based on their own regional music. India can boast of innumerable folk dances... each forming a speciality of a particular region or tribe. These dances are more popular than classical forms of dance in India as they are easier to understand and perform. Each form has its own speciality & grace, along with a set pattern of costumes and make-up.
