Folk Dances of India
Folk dance is a form of dance developed by a group of people that reflects the traditional life of the people of a certain country or region. Folk dancing usually involves a group of happy people following dance instructions from an experienced caller. The dancers perform steps in certain formations, such as a circle or a straight line.
Folk dancing is great exercise and a fun recreational activity for people of all ages. Anyone can learn to folk dance, as no formal dance experience is necessary to be able to learn most of the steps and formations.
Some Folk dances of India are:
Bathakamma
A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
Bihu
Bihu is a folk dance from Assam. It is a very brisk and aggressive dance performed by both boys and girls.
Bhangra
This is a folk dance from the Northwest Indian state of Punjab. It is a lively, powerful dance. (see Bhangra: Music and Dance from the Punjab
Chenchu
This is a folk dance from the state of Andhra Pradesh, Performed mainly by chenchu people.
Dandiya Raas
This is a stick dance of Gujarat.
Garba
This is a folk dance from Gujarat. It is traditionally danced at marriages and during the time of Navaratri.
Ghoomar
This is a folk dance of Rajasthan. It derives its name from its characteristic pirouettes.
Giddha
This is a folk dance of Punjab, generally performed by women.
Gobbi
A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
Kavadi
This is a folk dance of Tamil Nadu. It is played with a wooden pole upon which are tied two pots. The stick is then balanced upon the shoulder.
Mathuri
A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
Sakhi Nata
This is the puppet dance of Orissa.
Therukoothu
This is a folk theatre from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Yaksha Gana
This is a folk theatre from the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
There are many more other folk dances performed in various parts of India.