With its sheer intricacies Indian dance style brings out the innermost feelings and emotion whilst depicting the cultural aspects of the age-old civilization of India. Based on the style, dash, intricacies and élan, Indian dance can be broadly classified into four types like, Classical Indian dance, Indian Folk dance, Tribal dance and the modern Indian dance.

Classical Indian dance which is also known as the traditional Indian dance has abundant forms and takes human figure as its basic medium of expression. The folk dance form further reflects the aura of the tradition of heritage of India whilst mirroring the very beat of tribal life of India. Be it the intricacies of the traditional classical Indian dance or the rustic beauty of the folk dance or be it the effervescence of modern Indian dances, almost every type of dance in India, braided with its expression and composure, actually aids in reflecting the true beat of India; which is at times deep philosophical, often religious and often pulsating.

All forms of classical dance are strictly based on thorough rules and systemized series of movements as declared in the Natyashastra, which is the ancient book on dance and music and drama. The main styles of Indian classical dances are Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Manipuri, Odissi and Kuchipudi. The Indian classical dance style is unique in terms of movement, grace, style and élan.

Apart from the Indian classical dance there are a great variety of dance forms, which are the collective traditions of each part of the sub-continent. These are known as the folk dance of India. Sometimes these folk dances focus on recreation and enjoyment, while in other times; the folk dances are based on celebration of seasonal and social festivals.

In the recent era a new dance trend has developed in India. The modern forms of dances are the fusion of the various traditional dance forms. Sometimes, dances are composed in artistic forms with old songs and sometimes remixed music for choreographed dance. Salsa and ballet troupes are eventually becoming popular trends in the domain of dance. These days "film dance" has also carved a niche for itself in the domain of dance in modern India. This is a mixture of classical and folk dance, which has given birth to a semi-classical form. Film dances are danced for pleasure, and are a vital element in most Hindi films for entertaining the audience