South Indian states comprise of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. All these states of the southern region offer varied and interesting culture, cuisine and art form. Though visibly diverse forms exist in the southern states, yet they are a part of the important culture of India. The South Indian Culture is mainly celebration of the eternal universe. Thus South Indian Dances are the embodiment of the outline of expression, social interaction or presented in a spiritual or performance setting. The states have popular form of dances that include classical, folk, tribal and modern forms. The dances of South India have a long and elaborate history.

Dances in South India originated in the temples as a means to praise the gods and goddesses. These dances were performed by the Devadasis and gradually the concept of dancing girls originated who presented in the courts of the kings. During the medieval era in India, South Indian Dances prospered with the support of various kings and art-admirers. The dances such as Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Mohiniattam thrived as popular classical dances of the region. These dance forms originated from the days of the creation of the Natya Shastra.

Nevertheless, besides the classical dances, various tribal and folk dances are alive in the state. Among the South Indian Dances, the folk and tribal dances form a major part. South India is renowned as the state practices all these dance forms intricately. The folk dances of South India comprise Koodiyattam, Theyyam, Ottamthullal, Oppana, Kerala Natanam and Yakshagana. Among the folk dances of South India Padayani of Kerala, Kollattam of Tamil Nadu, Thapetta Gullu of Andhra Pradesh are quite popular

One of the famous regional forms of South Indian Dances contains the war dances of Kerala. The spectacular martial dance known as Velakali is performed in the temples of Southern Kerala by Nair warriors. This dance is done by holding wooden swords and shields. The costume comprise of traditional clothes and colourful headgear featuring medieval Nair soldiers. Velakali is a regular dance form performed at the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple festival in Alappuzha district.

South Indian Dances have a lengthened voyage since the ancient days. The regional dances of the states have been modified with due course of time. All the forms of dances in South India have captured the attention of the whole country as well as the world. These dances are varied and diverse in nature.