Five captivating dance forms in India that embody the essence of the nation

From graceful classical movements to modern hip-hop spins on Bollywood beats, dance is undeniably one of India’s most powerful visual expressions.

“Dance is the heartbeat of India,” says Shiamak Davar, a renowned Bollywood choreographer, in an interview with Dinogo Travel. “Whether at festivals, weddings, or on the streets, we dance to celebrate life.”

“To me, India is about celebration—through song, dance, and culture. We embrace unity and continuously welcome new dance styles to evolve,” Davar adds.

In this series of videos, Dinogo Travel explores India’s diverse dance landscape—capturing street performances, temple rituals, and theatrical expressions, blending traditional Hindu influences with global choreography.

Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam, an ancient classical dance form, originated in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu, located in the southeastern part of India.

Historically performed as a solo by women, this centuries-old tradition emphasizes intricate hand gestures and storytelling through religious themes.

This highly disciplined style demands flawless precision, emotional depth, and the use of every muscle in the body.

“In all Indian classical dance forms, abhinaya—expressive storytelling—is key,” says Dakshina Vaidyanathan, a Bharatanatyam artist. “When we convey a message, every part of the body plays a role in telling the story.”

Today, Bharatanatyam is globally recognized as one of India’s most iconic classical dance forms.

Sufi Kathak

Kathak, a classical dance form originating in northern India around 400 BCE, derives its name from the Sanskrit word for ‘storytelling.’

Originally performed by traveling storytellers, Kathak evolved to align with the tastes and aesthetics of the Mughal court.

In contemporary times, Sufi Kathak has emerged through the innovative work of Manjari Chaturvedi, blending traditional Kathak with the mystical elements of Sufism, a spiritual tradition with over a thousand years of influence in India.

Bhangra

A vibrant and energetic folk dance from Punjab, Bhangra is one of India’s most jubilant and celebrated art forms.

Originally performed to mark the harvest season, Bhangra has evolved and is now commonly seen at weddings and festive gatherings in India.

With its fast-paced rhythms and exuberant movements, Bhangra is a dynamic expression of joy and celebration.

Hip Hop

Hip-hop street dance originated in the United States during the early 1970s but has since become a global cultural phenomenon.

India is no exception to this worldwide trend.

In the video above, we explore the fusion of hip-hop and Indian dance styles through two dynamic dance troupes, one in Delhi and the other in Mumbai.

Bollywood

No discussion of modern dance in India would be complete without acknowledging the grand, song-and-dance spectacles of Bollywood films.

Choreography in Hindi cinema blends traditional Indian dance with global influences, creating unique and dynamic routines.

“Bollywood dance has evolved into a fusion of international, Indian, contemporary, and folk styles—an eclectic mix of diverse influences,” explains choreographer Davar.

“It has transformed into a beautiful synthesis of Eastern and Western dance traditions,” he adds.