Indian culture today has a distinct identity enlivened through Temple traditions. Indian dance forms associated with the evolution and development of Temple arts speak volumes of the great cultural endeavour.

Indian dance forms as practiced today have captured global attention sensitising the Indianness in all the cultural vistas of the world. Indian classical dance is divided into nritta - the rhythmic elements, nritya - the combination of rhythm and expression, natya - the dramatic element. To appreciate natya or dance drama, one has to understand and appreciate Indian legends.

Most Indian dances take their themes from India's rich mythology and folk legends. Hindu Gods and Goddesses like Vishnu, Shiva and Lakshmi, Sita are all depicted in these dances. Each dance form also draws inspiration from stories depicting the life and beliefs of the Indians.

India offers a number of classical dance forms, each of which can be traced to different parts of the country. Each form represents the culture and ethos of a particular region or a group of people.

The most famous classical forms are BHARATANATYAM of Tamilnad, KATHAKALI and MOHINIYATTAM of Kerala, ODISSI of Orissa, KATHAK of Uttarpradesh, KUCHIPUDI of Andhrapradesh and MANIPURI of Manipur.

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