Also known as Classical Dances of India, are the dances recognized by various institutions on the basis of their mention in Bharata Muni's Natya Shastram.
Sangeet Natak Academy recognizes eight dances as Classical they are:
- Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)
- Khatak (North and West India)
- Kathakali (Kerala)
- Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)
- Odissi (Odissa)
- Sattriya (Assam)
- Manipuri (Manipur)
- Mohiniyattam (Kerala)
Ministry of Culture also includes Chhau Dance (Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odissa) in addition to the above list.