ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the four major classical schools of dancing and attempts to analyze their regional distinctiveness against the context of pan-Indian unity. The four major classical schools of dances are Katha, Manipuri, Kathakali, and Bharatnatyam. From the vast repertoire of Sanskritic themes the most popular one-the Radha-Krishna theme-may be selected to illustrate the striking variation on the original love episode as it developed in regional dancing. The romantic love of Radha and Krishna is a favorite theme in Kathak dance. Manipuri dance technique stands alone among all the classical styles. Kathakali dance-drama comes from Kerala on the Malabar coast of southwestern India, an area remote from Islamic imperial influence, but open to foreign influences via the sea. Bharatnatyam was exclusively a solo dance style to be performed only by women. Each classical school of dance is in a way unique, standing on its own merits.
