Indian Dance

Indian dance
Intent represented by expressive art forms, movements, steps, body postures
is done.
dance tradition
Origin and 'Development'-Dance developed from ancient times to the present, its
roots are found till the Vedic period.
dance style
Classical dances are performed according to the strict rules laid down in the classical
texts. There are total 8 types of dance.
Folk dance - Dance is born out of common beliefs without any specific rules. Dances
performed by common Indians on change of seasons, Teej/festivals, harvesting etc.
Tribal dances – prevalent in tribal communities, such as Chhau, Santhali, Karma
Battlefield dance-presented to boost the morale of the soldiers in the battlefield
Two parts of dance have been accepted in the Indian tradition - Tandav and Lasya. Lord
Mahadev (Shankar) has been considered the father of Tandav dance. In Tandav dance, a
rhythmic story of the entire celestial creation and its destruction is depicted in the form
of dance. There are two postures in the Tandav dance - the fierce form and the form that
gives joy. Its first form is very fierce and those who do it are called 'Rudra'. While the
second form of Tandav is one that gives pleasure, the one who performs Shiva is called
'Nataraja'. In this form, Tandav dance is related to both the rise and fall of the universe.
Wherein, the beginning of Lasya dance is believed to be from Goddess Parvati. In this
dance postures are very soft, natural and loving and in this the beauty aspects of life are
presented through various symbols and expressions.
Nataraja Shiva
Nataraja is another name for Shiva. The literal meaning of 'Nataraja' is - the emperor of
the dancers. In other sense, Nataraja is in the role of a director in the creation and
destruction of Charachar. Shiva in the form of Nataraja is an excellent dancer and the
basis of all arts.
The famous idol of Shiva dancing in the posture of Nataraja has four arms, which carry
symbolic meaning. There is a circle of fire all around them. With one leg he is holding
down the demon and the other leg is raised in a dance posture, holding a damru in his
right hand (which is raised upwards). The sound coming out of this damru is the
symbol of creation. Thus Shiva is here as the symbol of creativity. Raised up, he has fire
in his other hand, which is the symbol of destruction. It means that where Shiva creates
the world with his one hand. At the same time, they also support with the other hand.
His other hand is raised in abhaya mudra which protects us from evils. His raised foot
signifies salvation and his other left hand points towards his raised foot which means-
Shiva is showing the way to salvation means salvation lies at the feet of Shiva. The
flames rising all around symbolize the universe. The snakes waving on his body are the
symbols of Kundalini Shakti. His entire form looks like “Om Kar Swaroop”, which
means that Om is inherent in Shiva.
This dance performed by Shiva in the form of Nataraja was called Tandava dance. In
fact, first of all, the origin of Swaramala is believed to be from the sound emanating
from the drum of Shiva. One meaning of the fire in the hands of Nataraj is also believed
that to remove the evils of the mind, the fire in the form of resolution should always be
kept burning. This resolution-like fire works to remove all evils and increase the good.
Thus it is in the role of a teacher.
The demon buried under the feet is the symbol of ignorance, which is destroyed by
Shiva.
In this form, Shiva destroys ignorance and propagates knowledge.
Classical dance
Bharatanatyam (Tamilnadu)
Udbhav-Sangam texts
This is such a dance in which there is a better combination of emotion, melody and
rhythm.
It is mainly a dance related to religious subjects (Hindu mythology) in which the stories
of Krishna Leela, Ramayana, Mahabharata etc. are presented through dance.
It is a dance performed by both men and women.
It is a long dance which is presented in 6 parts.
Allaripu (debut), Tillana (final)
Mainly veena, flute, mridang, violin are used as musical instruments.
Main Cast- "Sonal Mansingh, Leela Samson, Rukmani Devi, Yamini Krishnamurthy,
Balasaraswati, Shantarao
In this, the costumes, jewelery and decorations of the dancers are very interesting.
Dazzling silk saree, jewellery, jasmine garland, ghungroo
This dance is performed in the following sequence-
Alaripu: This is the initial stage of this dance. In this the dancer starts the dance by
praising his dance deity and the audience.
Jatiswaram: This is the second phase of the dance. In this, the dancer gives an
introduction to his art knowledge i.e. voice, rhythm and body parts and postures.
Shabdam: This is the dance part of the third order. In this, theatrical expressions are
described by presenting dance in a multi-colored and graceful manner.
Varnam: In this part of the dance, different varnas of the dance form are presented. In
this Bhava, Taal and Raga, all three are presented.
Padam - This part consists of seven lines of worship in Tamil, Telugu and Sanskrit
languages respectively and in this part the acting skills of the dancer are revealed.
Tillana - This part is the last part of Bharatnatyam dance style and it shows the elegance
of the beauty of the woman along with the many bizarre dance poses.
Mohini Attam
Meaning - to attract the mind, to entice
It is a classical dance of Kerala. which is performed by women.
It is a slow dance.
In this, the dancers show circular motion, padmatal and deep expression. There is an
enchanting use of the eyes by the dancers in the direction of the moves.
The dancers are dressed in Kasabu saris from Kerala, necklaces, earrings and jasmine
garlands.
Leading Dancers - Sunanda Nayyar, Pallavi Krishna, Jayaprabha Menon, Vijayalakshmi,
Radha Dutta
Subject - Mythology
Kathakali
This is the classical dance of Kerala. In this, the stories of Ramayana-Mahabharata etc.
are presented through dance.
It is a meeting of dance music, painting, literature, acting.
In this dance, the dancers do not speak but only recite.
Storytelling - The stories are displayed in the form of dance by the dancers through
about 24 basic postures and hundreds of symbols.
Facial decorations play an important role in this dance.
green color - symbol of goodness
black color - symbol of evil
The dancers wear high crowns on their heads.
Lead Actor:- Gopinath, Shantarao, Kalamandalabh Krishna
Odissi Dance
It is a dance of Orissa. It was developed by the devadasi dancers in the temples of
Orissa.
Initially it was presented only in temples. Later it was also done in the courts.
The basic theme (dance) is the story of Radha and Krishna. In this dance too, the dance
is performed following the rules of Bhava+Raga+Tala like Bharatnatyam.
The posture of Tribhanga (head, chest, legs) is a special aspect of Odissi dance.
Presented flexibly.
Kathak
It is a classical dance form of North India. It has been developed by the combination of
Hindu Muslim tradition.
In ancient India, Kathak was performed in temples. nature - religious
Medieval India – was presented in the courts (non-religious form)
In this too, the subjects of Ramayana, Purana, Mahabharata are presented by the
dancers in the form of stories.
In this, the dancers wear a large number of ghungroos on their feet. Using fast steps,
they make circular rounds.
The dance is performed in both the forms of Lasya (Komal) and Tandya. [ slow + fast ]
Single + pair handprints are used.
Dress – Women – Choli and Lehenga, Men – Churidar Pajama, Kameez
Starring Birju Maharaj, Sitara Devi, Shobha Narayan, Sundar Prasad
Kuchipudi (Kuchilapuram Village)
This is the dance of Andhra Pradesh.
Presentation of the love story of Krishna and Rukmani through dance.
To present the subject by acting in a dramatic spirit.
Matka dance is its special aspect.
Main Dancers - Yamini Krishnamurthy, Raja and Radha Reddy, Swapna Sundari,
Lakshmi Narayan Shastri
Manipuri dance
It is a classical dance of Manipur. Its development mainly took place in the 15-16th
century.
In this mainly Krishna Leela, Radha Krishna Prem Katha is presented through dance.
Women and men present it in all the three ways, single, pair, collective (while doing
Sankirtan).
In this, both Lasya and Tanday dances are presented in the dance. In this, the costumes
of the dancers are of a special type.
Women wear cardboard skirts, coveralls and make buns.
Artist -Jhaveri Sisters( Darshana, Nayana, Ranjana, Suvarna), Rita Devi
Different Forms of Manipuri Dance
Rasleela
Radha, Krishna and Gopis are the main characters in this. It depicts the anguish of
Radha and the Gopis at separation from Krishna. The Raslila dance follows specified
rhythmic postures and body movements.
Sankirtan
The male dancers play pung and kartal while dancing. Cholom, the masculine aspect of
the dance, is a part of the sankirtana tradition. In this the dancers bow down and dance.
Thangata
War related scenes are displayed in it. The actual fight scenes between the dancers show
body control and elaborate training.
Satriya Dance
It is a classical dance of Assam. Its development took place in the 15-16th century.
(Mainly due to the efforts of Shankardev). Originally it was a dance performed in
Mathas and Bihars but at present it is also performed on public occasions. In this
dance, the dancers present the mythological stories of Ramayana-Mahabharata etc.
with a dramatic spirit.
There is an emphasis on certain dances (Dasavatar dance, Apsara dance, Jhoomar
dance).
Songs/padas composed by Bhakti saints (Saguna) are sung during the dance.
Main folk dance
Rauf
This is the most popular dance of Kashmir valley which is performed only by women.
This dance is performed on the occasion of harvest; It is also done in the month of
Ramadan. No musical instruments are used in the performance of this dance.

Dhamali
This is also a popular folk dance in the Kashmir Valley, which is performed by men. It is
a traditional dance here and popular in Dargahs. In this, a person leads the dance party
with a flag and dance is done by burying this flag in the ground and making a circle
around it.

Hikkat
Hikkat is a popular folk dance in the Kashmir Valley. In this, young boys and girls dance
in pairs. And the dancing pair joins one leg while holding each other's hands and
dances by bending the body slightly backwards. No instruments are used in this dance
and the dancers dance only to the lyrics of the song.
Chakkary
This is the most popular folk song of Kashmir. Its singer Chakkari also dances to his
lyrics while singing the song. In this the dancer also plays the role of the singer. It is
usually performed on all auspicious occasions.

Kood
This is a popular folk dance in Kashmir which is performed in group form.
After the harvest, the farmers gather near a hill and dance in front of the village deity to
thank him.

Jabro
It is a famous folk dance of Ladakh region. It includes both women and men. The dance
starts slow and gets faster towards the end. It is usually done late in the moonlight night.
Damian, a rabab-like instrument, is played in it.
Bhangra
Bhangra is a vibrant folk dance of Punjab. Bhangra originated as a harvest festival, but
later became a part of marriage and New Year celebrations. In this, a person wearing
lungi and turban plays the drum in a circle to the tune of Punjabi songs and people
dance around him. In this the dancers tie colorful turbans and wear dhoti-kurta. In
Bhangra, instruments like Dhol, Tache and Kartals are used.

Giddha
It is a folk dance performed by women in Punjab. In this dance, dialects are sung by
making a round circle and applause is made. Two of these participants step out of the
circle and act, while the rest of the group sing. This repetition happens 3-4 times and
each time there is another team which starts with a new bid.
Malvi Gidda
Malvi Gidda is a folk dance performed by men in which satirical songs are sung. Its
origin is believed to be from Chhatta village in Sangrur district of Malwa region of
Punjab. In this musical instruments like Tumbi, Chimta, Kaito, Kartal etc. are used.

Keekli
This is a popular folk dance in Punjab which is performed only by women. In this, two
girls walk in a circle holding each other's hand and other girls involved in it encourage
them by clapping in a rhythm with the song.

Sammi
It is a popular dance in the rural areas of Punjab. This dance is performed with great
enthusiasm by women of Baazigar, Loyana and Sasi groups. This dance is performed in
a circle and the female dancer wears lehenga and kurta.
Pung cholam
This is a popular folk dance in the Manipur region. Although this folk dance is male
dominated, it is performed by both men and women. The theme of this dance is
Rasleela. In this a special type of drum is played which is called 'Pung'. The dancer
wears this pung (drum) around his neck while dancing. This dance starts with a
melodious rhythm and the sound becomes louder as soon as it reaches the peak.

Ottam Thullal
The origin of this folk dance is linked to the famous poet of Kerala, Kunchan Nambiar.
Being related to daily life, this dance is very popular in the society here. The songs sung
during this dance are in simple Malayalam language and have an element of humour.
The musical instruments used in Ottam Thullal are mridangam and cymbals.

Ramanattam
This is a famous folk dance of Kerala. It is a dance drama based on the life of Lord
Rama. In this, more importance was given to facial expressions and hand gestures.
Kothu
It is a type of classical dance performed by Chakvar artists of Kerala in Koyammam
temple. In this dance, the body and facial expressions and symbols and planned gestures
of the dancer are based on the principles described in the cultural texts. The musical
instruments used in this dance are cymbals, manjira, bol etc. Of these instruments,
cymbals are always played by women called Nangiar. This dance is also performed solo,
it is also called Prabandha dance.Humorous elements are also included in this dance.
Kudiyattam
This is the main folk dance of Kerala. In this a group of artists stage a dance drama,
hence the name 'Kudiyattam' or 'dance together'.
Both men and women take part in it. The most important element of the Kudiyattam
dance form is acting. Kudiyattam is staged in a theater made in the shape of a temple.
Dhol, Manjira are used as musical instruments in this. It is a classical dance of Kerala.
Some improvements were made to this dance by King Kulasekhara in the 10th century.
Kudiyattam dance is a group dance drama, traditionally performed by members of the
Chakyar caste. Its performance usually lasts for several days; In this, the introduction of
some characters and the events of their lives are displayed. This dance is known as
Kuthambalam after it is performed inside temples etc. The dance is performed with
intricate gestures, chants, and exaggerated facial and eye expressions.
Krishnattam
This is the famous dance drama of Kerala. In this the whole story of Lord Krishna is
enacted. Many characteristics of ancient religious folk dances, such as Thiyattam,
Mudiyettu and Thevyam, can be seen in Krishnayattam, in which face painting, use of
colorful masks, use of beautiful clothes, etc. are important.

Kollam Thulai
It is a traditional ritual of Kerala, which is usually performed to get rid of troubles
caused by evil spirits. It consists of a number of characters dancing with hideous make-
up and horned heads.

Luddy
Popular in Himachal Pradesh. This guna is performed on the occasion of special festive
fairs and festivals in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Initially this dance starts at a slow pace
and gradually picks up speed. While moving their feet, they become one with the music
through folk songs and folk instruments.
Bhagoriya Dance
This is a famous folk dance of Bhil tribe spread over a wide area of Madhya Pradesh. It is
performed on the occasion of Holi. Due to the 'Bhagoriya festival' falling in the Falgun
month, it got its name Bhagoriya dance. Unmarried boys and girls get the opportunity
to choose their favorite life partner through the Haat organized in this festival.

Mukhauta Dance
This is mainly done in the tribal areas of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal
Pradesh. In this dance, the dancers wearing masks of deities and animals perform the
presentation of mythological and traditional contexts through dance to the local
rhythm.
Mask dance is also a popular folk dance of Arunachal Pradesh.
Padua gidda
This dance is popular in many places of Solan, Bilaspur and Mandi in Himachal
Pradesh. The Padua Gidda dance of Himachal is quite different from the Gidda dance
of Punjab. Here this dance is performed in the half-moon position on the occasion of
marriage. When the procession goes to the bride's house, then after that the women of
the house perform this auspicious dance at home. Una district of the state also has the
tradition of this dance, which is very similar to the Gidda dance performed in Punjab.

Nati
Nati dance is performed in Kullu, Sirmaur, Mandi Shimla etc. districts of Himachal
Pradesh. Due to slow onset, it is called loose soil in the beginning, later it increases
rapidly. Dholak, Kartal, Ranasingha, Bansuri, Shehnai are used in this.
Jhamakda
This is a dance performed in the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh. It is a dance
performed on the occasion of marriage. While performing this dance, Ghaghra, Kurta is
worn in traditional dress and silver chalk is worn on the head, Kanthahar and
Chandrahar around the neck, nathni in the nose and pajeb in the feet.

Ghurei
It is a traditional dance performed in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. This dance is
presented on the occasion of marriage etc. happiness, on the occasion of fair etc. Only
women do this dance. Female beauty is described in the songs sung during the dance.

Chham (vampire or asura dance)

This is a famous folk dance of Himachal Pradesh. Influenced by Buddhist culture, in
this Chham dance in Lahul district, Lama or people associated with Buddhism wear
masks, hats and dance to the rhythm of traditional folk instruments. In this, traditional
instruments like Dhol, Jhanj are used.
Burrah
It is a popular folk dance in Himachal Pradesh. It is a dance displaying martial skills, in
which the dancers dance with an axe. In this the saga of mythological heroes is sung.

Garba
This is a very popular dance of Gujarat, which is performed on the occasion of Navratri.
In this dance, women dance in a circle by forming a circle. In the middle of the circular
circle, a woman stands with a pitcher on her head and a burning lamp is kept on top of
the pitcher. Garba dance is performed in the worship of Goddess Durga.

Dandiya Raas
It is a traditional folk dance of Gujarat. It is presented on the occasion of Navratri.
Dandiya is the symbol of the sword of Maa Durga. In this dance women are adorned
with Choli Ghaghra, Bandhani Dupatta and ornaments and men wear regional dress.
Instruments like Dholak, Tabla, Bongo Im are used in this.
Bhavai
It is a famous folk dance of Rajasthan and Gujarat, which is performed during the
worship of Goddess Amba on the occasion of Navratri. In this, musical instruments like
Pakhawaj, Dholak, Sarangi, Jhanjhari, Harmonium are used.

Ghoomar
This is the traditional folk dance of Rajasthan. This dance was developed by the Bhil
tribe of Rajasthan, which was later adopted by other communities of Rajasthan.
Ghoomar dance is performed only by women on auspicious occasions like marriage
ceremonies.

bihu
It is a popular folk dance of Assam. This dance is performed collectively by the Kachari,
Khasi etc. tribes of Assam. Agile dance postures and rapid hand movements are used in
this dance. There are 3 forms of this dance – Bohag Bihu, Magh Bihu and Kati Bihu.
They are presented on different occasions in the same year. Instruments like Dhol, Pepa
(instrument made of buffalo horn), flute, gogona are used in this dance.
Pandwani
This is a famous folk dance of Chhattisgarh. The basic basis of this folk dance is the
stories of Pandavas. That is why it is called Pandwani dance. In this, the stories of
Pandavas are displayed with 'Iktare' through dance and acting. Its influence can be
clearly seen in the plays of Habib Tanveer, Teejanbai is its famous artist.

Kalbelia
It is a dance performed by the Kalbelia tribe of Rajasthan. This dance is performed by
women. In this dance, the men accompany the female dancers by taking Iktara or
Tambura. Rajasthan's famous folk-dancer Gulabo gave this dance a lot of fame in the
country and abroad. During this dance, many types of acrobatics are shown by the
dancing women like lifting the ring from the eyelids, lifting money from the mouth,
eating vomit etc. In 2010, the Kalbelia dance was included in the Representative List of
the Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Terahtaali
Terhtali dance is a famous folk dance of Rajasthan performed by the women of Kamar
caste. While dancing, women tie manjeeras at 13 places on their hands, feet and body.
During this dance, women display different gestures by striking the manjirs tied in
other parts of the body at a rapid pace along with the rhythm of the song. At the time of
this dance, men sing hymns of Ramdev to the beat of the tambourine. The origin of this
dance is believed to be in Padrala village (located in Pali district). This is the main
attraction of Ramdevji's fair.
Rasleela
Rasleela is a famous one practiced in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur, which is based on the
pastimes of Lord Krishna. In this, the dancers take the form of Radha-Krishna and gop-
gopis and dance. Rasleela includes all the three elements of classical music, dance and
drama. It is a circular dance of gopas and gopis in which the stories related to the love of
Radha and Krishna are displayed through dance, music and drama. All the characters of
Rasleela are mainly teenagers or young men, who also play the role of female characters.
Through this dance, various juices of human life – friendship, conjugal love, servant
spirit etc. have been presented.

chaular
It is prevalent in the Mirzapur region of Uttar Pradesh. Kajri, the traditional folk song
here.It is presented at the time of singing.

Saira
It is prevalent in Hamirpur, Jhansi and Lalitpur districts of Bundelkhand region. In this,
young boys and girls dance with sticks or sticks in their hands during the rainy season.
Chhau
Its general meaning is 'shadow' or 'mask'. It is mainly practiced in the tribal areas of
Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. It is performed for three days in the month of
Chaitra. In 2010, Chhau dance was included in the Representative List of Intangible
Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Gangiya
This is a famous folk dance of Bihar. In this dance women praise Ganga through dance.

Bolbai
This folk dance is prevalent in Bhagalpur and its surrounding areas of Bihar. In this
dance there is mention of husband going abroad.

Sama Chakewa
It is a famous folk dance performed in Mithilanchal region of Bihar. This dance is
performed by women and girls in the month of Kartik for the welfare of their brothers.
Jhijhiya
Jhijhiya is a famous folk dance prevalent in the Mithila region of Bihar. It is a dance
related to tantra-mantra and witch and it also shows the scene of the king-kingdom.

jut-juttin
Jat-Jatin is a famous folk dance prevalent in Bihar. This dance is performed during the
rainy season to celebrate Lord Indra. In fact, the song and dance sung by the Yadavas
who came from the Punjab region is popular in the name of Jat-Jatin.

Domkach (Pie)
It is a famous folk dance performed by women in Bihar on the occasion of marriage.
When the baraat has left for the bride's house and only the women are left at home, they
dress up as men and perform a dance drama.
Tamasha
It is a famous folk dance of Maharashtra. Mythology is told through dance. Mainly
women participate in it. Dholki, drum, tuntuni, manjira, cymbal, tambourine, halgi
string are used in this dance. Harmonium and ghungroos are used. Tamasha dance is
performed by the Kolhati community of Maharashtra.

Lavani
It is an integral part of Tamasha, the folk theater style of Maharashtra. Lavani is derived
from the word 'lavanya', which means 'beauty'. This style is suitable for displaying
emotions like valour, love, devotion and sorrow. It is of two types – Nirguni Lavani and
Sringari Lavani. Where there is an inclination towards spirituality in Nirguni Lavani,
Shringari Lavani is immersed in Shringar Rasa.

Dindi Dance
This folk dance is prevalent in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. It is known as
spiritual folk dance in Maharashtra region. This dance is specially performed on the day
of Ekadashi of Kartik month. In this, the childhood pastimes of Lord Krishna are
depicted through dance.
art dance
Like Didi, Kala Nritya is also a famous folk dance prevalent in the Maharashtra region.
In this, along with showing the mischievous nature of Lord Krishna, the game of
breaking the pot is also displayed. In this, the dancers break the pot of curd hanging on
the shoulders of their companions.

bagurumba
It is a dance of the Bodo tribes in Assam. It is a group dance performed by women,
which is done with outstretched hands with slow step rhythm. This dance is influenced
by the natural environment, so the dance of animals, birds and butterflies are also
included in this dance.

Sarhul Dance
Sarhul dance is a dance performed by the Sambhal Munda etc. tribes of Chhotanagpur
region and Chhattisgarh. This is a dance performed by unmarried boys and girls. Sarhul
dance is performed on the occasion of harvesting in the month of Chaitra.
Charkula
Charkula is a popular folk dance in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh. It is mainly held on
the third day of Holi. In this, women dance by keeping a circular vessel holding a lamp
on their head.

Nautanki
This is the main folk dance of Uttar Pradesh. This is done on the occasion of fairs or
marriages. Drama includes dance, drama and music.

Yakshagana
Yakshagana is the traditional dance form of Karnataka. Its themes are mythological
religious stories. To express these mythological stories in the form of feelings, songs
and music are added to the story. Grand and gaudy makeup is done by the artists. Their
ornaments are made of wood, which are decorated with glass and golden papers. In
this, musical instruments like chand, maddel, pungi, harmonium, cymbals are used.
Kirtan and Jatra
The oldest folk dance of West Bengal is 'Kirtan'. In this, the dancers dance in a circle
and along with them, the mridang player also dances while playing the mridang. God's
devotion is done through Kirtan. Jatra based on the pastimes of Krishna is also a very
popular folk dance in West Bengal.

Kathi and bowl

Kathi is the main dance of the backward castes of West Bengal. In this dance, the
dancers move upwards with a small stick in both the hands and dance from one wood
to the other with rhythm. An instrument called 'Madal' is used in this dance. Baul
dance is very popular in West Bengal. In this dance is performed by playing Iktara along
with the songs. The Baul tune has considerable influence in Rabindra Sangeet.
Raibeshi
The name of 'Raibeshi' is taken first in the folk dances of West Bengal.
It is highly prevalent in Birbhumi, Murshidabad districts. This dance is male
dominated, in which the dancers dance in circles and wear anklets on the right foot. No
one sings a song in this dance, only the beat of the drum changes when the gesture
changes.

Nongkrem
This is the most popular folk dance of Meghalaya. It is performed by the tribes here
(especially the Khasi tribe) in the Sharad Ritu (autumn season).
This folk dance is performed to please the mighty Goddess for good crop yields and
prosperity for the people. In this musical instruments like drum and tangmuri are used.
Major modern dance

Hip-hop dance
At present, hip-hop dance is very popular among the youth. It started in the 70s. It is
also called 'Street Dog'. Locking and parking also come in this style of dance.

Salsa
It is a Cuban dance that is considered sensual and lively. It depicts romance, love and
emotions. Salsa dance is performed to Latin American music. It is famous all over the
world as a pair dance.

belly dance
Belly dance is popular among women in western Asian countries. In this style only the
lower abdomen is moved/rotated keeping all the body parts stationary. In this, the hips
part is also run / rotated.
Line dance
In this dance many people of a group stand in a line and perform the same type of
dance steps. This dance is widely used in exercise and weight loss. goes. It is also known
as aerobics or juba.

Ballroom dance
It is a dance performed with a partner in soft light and music.
There are two styles of ballroom dance – the American style and the International style.