Bharatnatyam is based on the Sanskrit Hindu text, ‘Natya Shastra’. The repertoire of the dance includes ‘nrita, nritya and natya’.
There are three specific forms of Kathak, referred to as ‘gharanas’, the famous being Lucknow gharana, Jaipur gharana and Benaras gharana.
The storytelling in Kathakali is beautifully performed with notable footwork, facial gestures and hand movements along with music and vocal performance called Soppannam.
Kuchipudi dance form is considered as good as a religious ceremony. This dance-drama performance art is conducted by a Sutradhar.
Manipuri dance is primarily based on Vaishnavism, depicting the bond of love between Radha and Krishna and the graceful performance of ‘Ras Leela’
The Odissi dancers emote devotional poems, religious and mythical stories with graceful body movements, sign language, and impressive facial expressions.
The dance is performed by a female in Manipravala language which is a blend of Sanskrit and Malayalam.
‘Bhangra’ is an extremely energetic and enthralling dance with various athletic feats and tricks.
The dance comprises ‘ankiya bhaona’ and Ojapali in which the singer acts and sings with a group of dancers who play cymbals.
This Indian dance aims at storytelling from the ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Mahabharata’.