International Dance Day is celebrated every year on 29 April to honor the global effect of beauty, diversity and dance. As a rich country in cultural heritage, India is home to a huge array of classical, folk and contemporary dance forms. Each dance style carries a unique heritage, which lies deeply into mythology, tradition and regional identity.
At the International Dance Day 2025, let’s celebrate India’s prestigious dance forms and recognize the famous artists who have kept these traditions alive and prosperous.
1. Bharatanatyam – Tamil Nadu
Style: Classic
Known for: Beautify Bhav (Abhinaya), complex footwork, and dedication to Hindu gods.
Famous incomplete:
– Rukmini Devi Arundale – Leading to revive Bharatanatyam for global audiences.
– Padma Subrahmanyam – Eminent scholar and artist.
– Alarmal Valli – is known for expressive story and elegance.
2. Kathak – Uttar Pradesh
Style: Classic
Known for: Spins (chas), rhythmic footwork and storytelling.
Famous incomplete:
– Birju Maharaj – Legendary Kathak Mestro.
– Sitara Devi – Which is known as the “Queen of Kathak”.
– Showwana Narayan – Famous for a combination tradition with innovation.
3. Odissi – Odisha
Style: Classic
Known for: Triangle asana, fluid movement, and temple dance traditions.
Famous incomplete:
– Kelucharan Mohapatra – was credited with the modern revival of Odissi.
– Sonal Mansingh – The major exponent is known for its expressive performance.
– Sanjukta Panigrahi – One of the most leading female Odissi dancers.
4. Kathakali – Kerala
Style: Classic
Known for: Story through dramatic makeup, wide costumes, and facial expressions.
Famous incomplete:
– Kalamandalam Gopi – reverence for its powerful roles in mythological plays.
– Kottakkal is known for portraying women characters (street prostitutes) with depth.
5. Kuchipudi – Andhra Pradesh
Style: Classic
Known for: Dance-drama format, fast footwork and beautiful movements.
Famous incomplete:
– Yamini Krishnamurthy – Eminent classical dancer and ambassador to Kuchipudi.
– Vemapati Chinna Satyam – Globally revived and popularized Kuchipudi.
6. Manipuri – Manipur
Style: Classic
Known for: Soft, flowing movements, and devotional subjects, especially based on Radha-Crisis.
Famous incomplete:
– Raas Leela Troops – The contingent of community artists is central for this tradition.
– Juvery Sisters – Played an important role in bringing Manipuri to widespread audiences.
7. Mohinitam – Kerala
Style: Classic
Known for: Female movements, subtle expressions and lyrical beauty.
Famous incomplete:
– Kalamandalam Kalyanikutti Amma – is considered to be the “mother of Mohinistam”.
– Kanak Riley – Revealed and arranged to Mohinitam as an academic discipline.
Celebrating India’s dance heritage
Folk dances of India such as Bhangra (Punjab), Garba (Gujarat), Lavani (Maharashtra), and Bihu (Assam) also contribute to the rich dance tapestry of the country. Each region brings its rhythm, emotion and cultural taste to the stage.
On International Dance Day 2025, let us honor the mythological dancers who preserved India’s artistic spirit and celebrated the timeless beauty of its traditional forms. Whether classical or folk, Indian dance remains a lively expression of devotion, culture and creativity.
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