Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most widely practised classical dance forms, originating from Tamil Nadu. Known for its sculptural poses (aramandi), precise footwork (nritta), expressive hand gestures (mudras), and emotive storytelling (abhinaya), it is traditionally performed by women. It derives from the Natya Shastra — the ancient Sanskrit treatise on performing arts — and has roots in Hindu temple traditions. Famous exponents include Rukmini Devi Arundale, Sonal Mansingh, and Mallika Sarabhai.

Kathakali is a highly stylised classical dance-drama from Kerala, renowned for its spectacular costumes, elaborate make-up (chutti), and powerful storytelling. Kathakali depicts stories from Hindu epics — the Ramayana and Mahabharata — through a unique combination of dance, music, vocal performance, costume, and stage techniques. The elaborate make-up can take 4–6 hours to apply and the costumes weigh up to 30 kg. Kathakali performers use 24 distinct mudras and express 9 emotional states (navarasas). It is one of the world's most demanding performing arts.

Kathak is the primary classical dance of North India, evolving from the storytelling traditions of the Kathakas (storytellers) who narrated tales from Hindu scriptures. Mughal influence gave Kathak its distinctive costume and the emphasis on footwork and pirouettes (chakkar). There are three major schools (gharanas): Lucknow (known for lyrical grace), Jaipur (known for energetic footwork), and Banaras. Kathak is unique among Indian classical dances for its equal participation of men and women and its integration of Hindu and Islamic artistic elements. Birju Maharaj is the most celebrated Kathak exponent.

Kuchipudi originated in the village of Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh. It is a dance-drama tradition that combines expressive storytelling with pure dance. Kuchipudi is known for its dramatic abhinaya, fast tempo, and unique features such as dancing on the rim of a brass plate (tarangam). It evolved in the 15th-16th century as a form of dance-drama performed by male Brahmin artists to tell stories of Lord Krishna. Today it is performed by both men and women and is one of India's most dynamic classical dance forms.

Odissi is one of the oldest surviving dance forms of India, originating from the state of Odisha. It evolved from the devadasi tradition in the temples of Odisha, particularly in the Jagannath Temple at Puri. Odissi is characterised by the tribhanga (three-body-bend) posture, graceful movements, and expressive abhinaya depicting stories of Lord Jagannath (Krishna). Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra revived Odissi in the 20th century after it nearly disappeared. Sonal Mansingh and Madhavi Mudgal are among its most celebrated practitioners.

Sattriya is a classical dance form from Assam, created by the great Vaishnavite saint-scholar Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century as a part of Ankia Nat (one-act plays). It was traditionally performed by male monks (bhokots) in monasteries (sattras) of Assam. In 2000, it was accorded the status of a classical dance by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Sattriya is based on stories from the Vaishnava tradition and features elaborate costumes, masks, and traditional Assamese music (khol and taal).

Manipuri dance comes from the culturally rich state of Manipur in northeastern India. It is deeply devotional, based on Vaishnavism and performed as worship. The most celebrated form is the Ras Lila (depicting the divine love of Radha and Krishna). Manipuri is distinct from other classical dances in its gentle, fluid movements — there is no sharp footwork or stamping, and movements flow like ripples. The costumes are extraordinarily beautiful: the barrel-shaped skirt (Kumil) is one of the most distinctive in Indian classical dance. Rabindranath Tagore was instrumental in bringing Manipuri to national attention.

Mohiniyattam (Dance of the Enchantress) is Kerala's second major classical dance form besides Kathakali. The name refers to Mohini — the divine enchantress form taken by Lord Vishnu. It is an almost exclusively feminine dance form, characterised by gentle swaying movements of the body, graceful lasiyas, and lyrical quality. The white and gold costume (settu mundu), jasmine-decked hair, and kohl-rimmed eyes make it one of India's most visually beautiful dance traditions. Hema Malini (actress) is among its famous practitioners.