India's Classical Dance Forms: How 8 States Keep Ancient Art Alive
India's Sangeet Natak Akademi recognizes 8 classical dance forms across 8 states, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya. Each carries centuries of tradition, faces modern challenges, and depends on living practitioners.