Traditional Indian Dances

The dance foundation of India, started 5000 years ago. The famous dancing girl figure was found under the ruins of Mohenjodaro. Its age dates back to 2^nd century B.C.

Indian Dance

A big number of group dancing ranks, were found on rock paintings in the Bhimbetaka caves in India. The gate of Sanchi was carved with the Apsaras dancers. Also in the cave there are evidence, such as wall paintings, the temple walls of Hoysala dynasty, for ancient Indian dances.

In their history, Indian dances were used to warship the emotion, and to express the feeling of India's nation. For example the Devadasis temple dancers lived very harsh lives, in order to be able to performed the sacred dances, which can pleased the Gods and Goddesses. That system is still dominant in some Indian state. Also the famous Orissa dance is nominated to perform the various activities of the temple.

Nataraja today is the supreme for the Indian dances. It is well known as the dancing Lord Shiva. The adorned moon, on the lord's head, is a special sign for complete control of the sences. On Shiva's Body, the serpent wounds are important proof of his full control over vitality forces. The foot of lord, raised hight over the demon, is a symbol of triumph over the ego. The thematics of Indian dancing is based on India's rich mythology. They come from ancient rituals, like the Natya Shastra.


Indian dances are divided to three different types. Nritta - apply simple movements of the body, Natya have the elements of a drama, and Murdas which is a development with the use of gesture during the dance. The point of this dances is that the dancers communicate, with the audience, only trough their bodies.