Known for fixed postures, sharp lines, rhythmic footwork and expressive hand gestures. Rukmini Devi Arundale revived it and founded Kalakshetra.
The storytelling dance, with fast spins and ankle bells. It has three schools, or gharanas: Jaipur, Lucknow and Banaras.
A dance-drama with striking make-up and costumes, built on stories from the epics and strong facial expressions.
It combines dance, music and drama. A well-known item has the dancer performing on the rim of a brass plate.
Graceful, sculpture-like poses inspired by temple carvings. The tribhangi stance, with three bends in the body, is its signature.
Soft, flowing movement and gentle costumes. It is closely tied to the Raslila of Radha and Krishna.
The dance of the enchantress, a graceful female solo form with swaying movements and a white-and-gold costume.
Born in the Vaishnava monasteries founded by Srimanta Sankardeva. It was recognised as a classical dance in 2000.
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