The Indian classical dance forms are based on the ‘Natya –Shashtra’ composed by Bharat Muni (400 BC). This Natya Shashtra incorporates different techniques of performing art. The ‘Sangeet Natak Academy’ introduced the term ‘classical’ for the first time and introduced the Indian classical dance forms in India. Classical dance forms are distinctive for the use of unique postures or Mudras, facial expression, special eyes expressions, hand gestures, head, foot and arm movements to demonstrate certain feelings, emotions, objects, personalities, scenes and to narrate stories. In the ancient times the classical dances were known as the devotional dance forms which were performed only in the temples to please the gods and goddesses. But gradually this trend manifested in the form of classical dance form. However the crux of classical dance forms is still the same. they truly manifest the devotion of the dancer towards the divinity. classical dance depicts the divine connection of the soul with the divine power and through the means of beautiful 'mudras', 'baag-bhanigma' and 'hasta-mudras' the dancer tries to reveal that very connection in front of the audience. Today there are so many great Indian classical dancers who have achieved fame and success worldwide. The Sangeet Natak Academy acknowledges 8 performing arts as Indian Classical Dance forms namely; Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (North India), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Manipuri (Manipur), Mohiniattam (Kerela) and Sattariya (Assam).
