Indian Classical dance refers to Natya, whose theory can be traced back to Natya Shastra of Bharat Muni. Indian dance with its distinct flavor of Natya, leela, rasa, and mudra has illustrated the rich ethnicity of India since the remote past of the ancient rimes. Dance, therefore, with its entire magic has reverberated the very term "Unity in Diversity" since its inception.

According to Natya Shastra, there are eight classical dance forms and they are Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniaattam, Odissi, Sattriya. Dance performances took place inside the sanctum of the temple. There are numerous classical dancers in India who have carved a niche for themselves in this creative field. They have made an outstanding contribution in popularizing the varied dance forms of India abroad. Notable dance personalities of India are Mallika Sarabhai, Shovana Narayan, Sonal Mansingh, Yamini Krishnamurthy. Mallika Sarabhai is a well known Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dancer of India. Shovana Narayan is a Kathak dancer and known as Kathak queen. Sonal Mansingh is an Odissi dancer and one of the most prominent dancers of India. Yamini Krishnamurty is well known for her Kuchipudi dance style. Late Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra was among the many gems that Orissa has produced and excelled in the dance of Odissi.