Historically, dance has been an integral part of religion and
culture in India.In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is known as
"Nataraja" (Lord of dance). The Sangeet Natak
Akademi (National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama) currently
confers the "classical" status on eight Indian dance
forms viz., Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniaattam,
Sattriya, Kathakali, Kathak and Manipuri. Then you have your folk
dances, the most popular being the Bhangra (originating
from Punjab) and the Garba (originating from Gujarat).
In this day and age, however, dance in India is perhaps best
associated with Bollywood. A vast majority of movies made in India
are musicals, featuring songs and animated choreography. This
trickles down to a great number of televised dance competitions,
YouTube tutorials and of course, that one boisterous uncle that
drags you to the dance floor at a wedding sangeet.
