Dance Forms in India
The 2 major dance form in India are classical and folk dance. The major difference between Classical and Folk dance is the origin.
Classical dance has a deep-rooted relationship with the Natya Shastra where the specific features of each of the Classical dance forms have been mentioned.
Folk dance, on the other hand, emerged from the local tradition of the respective state, ethnic or geographic regions.
Classical Dance in India
The classical dance form originated from the Natya Shastra. There are 8 classical dance forms in India as per the source and scholar.
The Cultural Ministry of India has included Chhau into the list of classical dances that makes a total of 9 classical dance form.
The list of classical dances in India is given below:
| List of Classical dances in India | State of Origin |
| Bharatnatyam | Tamil Nadu |
| Kathak | Uttar Pradesh |
| Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh |
| Odissi | Odisha |
| Kathakali | Kerala |
| Sattriya | Assam |
| Manipuri | Manipur |
| Mohiniyattam | Kerala |
Folk Dances in India
Folk dances in India represent the culture and tradition of the community from where it originated.
Folk dances are usually performed during the respective community’s celebration- childbirth, festivals, weddings, etc.
There are different types of Folk dances in India.
The list of Folk Dances in India is given below:
| State of Origin | List of Folk Dances in India |
| Andhra Pradesh | Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam. |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Lion and Peacock dance, Aji Lamu, Idu Mishmi, Ponung, sadinuktso |
| Assam | Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal, Tea folk’s jumar nach, Barpeta’s bhortal nritya |
| Bihar | Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Seraikella Chau, Kajari Dance, Bidesia, Jhijhian, Paika |
| Chattisgarh | Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik, Sua, Karma |
| Gujarat | Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai |
| Goa | Tarangamel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi nrutya, Jagar, Ranmale, Lamp dance, Kumbi |
| Haryana | Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor. |
| Himachal Pradesh | Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Rouf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach, Bhacha Nagma, Hikkat, Dhamali |
| Jharkhand | Alkap, Karma Munda, Agni, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua, Santhal |
| Karnataka | Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Bhootha Ardhane, Dollu Kunitha, veeragaase, Joodu Halgi |
| Kerala | Ottam Thullal, Kaikottikali,theyyam, Thirvathirakali, duffmutu, arvanmuttu, oppan, Thitambu Nrityam |
| Maharashtra | Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar. |
| Madhya Pradesh | Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni |
| Manipur | Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom |
| Meghalaya | Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, Laho |
| Mizoram | Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam, chheih Lam |
| Nagaland | Rangma, Bamboo Dance, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim, Alauyattu, Agurshikukula, Butterfly, changai, Leshalpatu, rengma, Moyashai |
| Odisha | Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari,chhow, patua, ghoomra, mask |
| Punjab | Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand |
| Rajasthan | Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Kalbelia, Kachchhi Ghodi |
| Sikkim | Chu Faat, Sikmari, Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion, Yak Chaam, Denzong Gnenha, Tashi Yangku, Maruni, Khukuri |
| Tamil Nadu | Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi, Devarattam, Bommalattam, Karagattam, Mayilattam, Paampuattam, Karagattam, Oyilattam, Puliyattam, Poikal Kududirai attam, Therukoothu |
| Telangana | Perini Sivathandavam |
| Tripura | Hojagiri |
| Uttar Pradesh | Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli |
| Uttarakhand | Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Barada Nati, Bhotiya Dance, Chacheri, Chhapeli, Langvir Nritya |
| West Bengal | Gambira, Kalikapatadi, Nanchi, Alkap, Dommi, Kathi, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan |
| Andaman & Nicobar | Nicobari |
| Lakshadweep | Lava, Kolkali, Parichakali. |
| Daman & Diu | mando, veridigao, vira |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli | Tarpa |