Dance in India is at least 5000 year old. Dancing figures in
paintings, statues and temple walls show evidence for the popularity of dance
even in ancient times. The earliest evidence is a bronze statue of a dancing
girl dating from the Indus Valley Civilization(see below). Throughout the centuries,
Indian dance has been used as a means of worship, as well as the expression of
emotions. Temple dancers performed
sacred dances to please the gods. The dancing Lord Shiva, or Nataraja, is the
ultimate symbol of Indian dance. Aspects of dance are based on the ancient
stories and tales of India.
Dancing bronze girl - first evidence of dance in India
Sources:
by Bethany
