The aura of distinctive culture and traditions can be found in the western states of India. These states have rich traditions of an ancient culture and have been modified with the various foreign influences. The music as well as dance of this region thus reveals a glimpse of various influences. The states lying in the western part of the country boast of an innumerable dance forms. West Indian Dances include the expressions of folk and tribal forms. Each dance form has a specialty of its particular region. Furthermore, the dance forms of the western region are exuberant and colourful. The states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra have their own dance forms which communicate with the masses and reveal the charm of the region.

West Indian Dances are elaborate and acquire a rich style and appearance. These dances are set in the traditional patterns. As a result the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat of western India are possessor of magnificent forms of folk dances. The popular folk and tribal dances of the western region include Dandiya, Tarpha Nach, and Tera Tali. The folk dances of the western region though originated from the village people, at present have become the music of the Indian masses. These regional dances of western India reflect the vast cultural diversity of the region and are considered to be the higher form of art.

Among the vibrant West Indian Dances, Dandiya is one of the mesmerizing folk dances of Gujarat. It has earned recognition all over the country as well as abroad for its rhythmic tunes and captivating movements. The dance is known for its exhilarating flow of colours and brightness. The richness of the dance makes it one of the renowned social dances of India. Dandiya is the dance which is performed to mark the occasion of Navratri. It is performed with sticks that represent the sword of Durga. `Garba` is also a popular folk dance form of Gujarat and is performed before the `Aarti` in the Navaratri occasion.

The tinge of colour and opulence of heritage can be witnessed in the folk and tribal dances of Maharashtra. The tribals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli have their dance form of "Tarpa". This dance is performed during moonlit nights and continues past midnight and is indeed the specific dance of the region. Besides, Tarpa dances, West Indian Dances are also highlighted by the folk elements of the dance for, Lavani. Lavani, or Lavni, gets its name from the word lavanya which is synonymous to beauty. This dance form has a rich history that dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. This dance is performed by women only. According to history, this dance was performed as an entertainment that tried to boost the morale of tired soldiers during time of the war.

The West Indian Dances is enriched by the folk dance of Rajasthan. Ghoomar of Rajasthan is performed by women, creating a graceful and glittering effect. According to the history Ghoomar, this dance form originated with the Bhils, a tribal people of Rajashtan. Gradually, the Ghoomar was adopted by the royal women of Jaipur. The folk dances of western region are performed on all auspicious and festive occasions. Dang Lila is also a popular folk form of the region. The dances of the western part of country are spontaneous expressions of the spirit of a people. They take in the basic instinct of rhythm, imagination, and artistic expression of the people. Thus, the regional dances of western India introduce the ethnicity of the land.