The North Indian part of the country is the possessor of richest history. This part of the country has been the centre of various kingdoms such as Maurya, Gupta, Mughal and British Indian Empires which have introduced diverse culture to the region. The northern part of the country has been influenced by both Hindu and Muslim customs. The states Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand, thus, have adapted the cultures brought by several rulers and invaders. Consequently, the music and North Indian Dances reflect the miscellany of different traditions and customs.

North Indian Dances represent a prosperous multiplicity. Among all the dances of northern India, Kathak is a celebrated as a classical dance form which originated with the nomadic bards of ancient northern India. Kathak or story tellers performed in village squares and temple courtyards whilst reciting mythological tales from the scriptures. Their recitals were further associated with hand gestures and facial expressions. Kathak had a long journey through the ages. In the Bhakti era, Kathak narrated the stories from the life of Radha and Krishna. However, with the coming of the Mughal emperors, Kathak underwent certain changes in North India. It began to acquire exclusive contour and features. Dancers from Persia also influenced Kathak a lot. The costume also changed tracing Muslim influence. Though this classical dance form of northern India witnessed a sharp decline during the British Raj, yet it gained back its grand position once again after the independence. At present Kathak is among the Indian Classical dances which are presented with the synthesis of the past. Besides the classical dance form, north India offers diverse folk and classical forms.

The assortment of folk and tribal dances of North India is exquisite as they include narrative forms as well as mythological elements. Among the North Indian Dances, there are a wide variety of folk dances performed for every occasion. Many of the dances are ritualistic in nature and are performed during harvesting seasons also. Bhangra of Punjab is one such dance that is danced during the harvest season. However, Bhangra has at present become the part and parcel of the Punjabis and is performed in occasion of weddings and other traditional festivals. Other dances to mark the cultivation and harvest season are Hurka Baul which is performed during paddy and maize cultivation in Uttar Pradesh and Dhamyal of Haryana. Apart from the harvest dances, various colourful tribal and folk dances have also originated.

Other, folk dances of the northern India include Dumhal dance performed by the men folk of the Wattal tribe of Kashmir, Nati dance of Himachal Pradesh, Namagen of Himachal Pradesh. These dances have gained popularity and other dances which include Jhumeila and the Chaunfla of Garhwal. North Indian Dances introduce the people to the mystical diversity of the dances such as Jhoomer, Luddi and Jalli, `Dhamyal` or `Duph`. Each dance form is unique in its own stand and they become ornate with the costumes of the dancers. The full attire and ornaments of Kathak dance and the apparel of the folk and tribal dances highlight the indispensable segment of the people of North India.