The origin of classical dance in India goes back to 2BC when the ancient treatise on dance, Natya Shastra, was compiled. Dance in India is guided by the elaborate codes in the Natya Shastra and by mythology, legend and classical literature. Natya Shastra was written by Bharata Muni. This gives all conceivable details of make-up and costumes, has exhaustive notes on direction and production,

Both classical and folk form of dances are performed in India. Classical dance forms have rigid rules for presentation.

Among the leading forms of classical dance are Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi, Kuchipudi and Mohini Attam. Bharatnatyam, originating in Tamil Nadu, has movements of pure rhythm, rendering a story dramatically in different moods. Kathakali, the dance drama from Kerala, requires the artist to wear an elaborate mask. The principal classical dance of north India, Kathak, originated as a religious performance but later developed as a court dance under the Moghuls. The lyrical style of dance, Manipuri, comes from the eastern State of Manipur. It described the games of Krishna and the "Gopis". Odissi was once a temple dance in Orissa. Kuchipudi, the dance-drama from Andhra Pradesh, is based on themes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. In addition, there are numerous forms of folk and tribal dance in India.Among the well known folk dances are- Bhangra of Pinjab, Bihu (Assam) , Chhau (Jharkhand & Orissa), Ghoomar (Rajasthan) Dandra and Garba (Gujarat), Yakshagana (karan) and Lavani (Maha) and Dekhnni (Goa)

One of the most enduring symbols of India is the figure of Nataraja - Shiva, the King of Dancers. Shiva’s cosmic dance is believed to encompass creation, preservation, and destruction.