Difference between classical dance and folk dance?

Folk dance

Classical dance

·         Folk dancing is a simple dance form meant for group performance created for a reason like harvest of food. ·         Basically folk dance is a recent movement that values the traditional dances of various peoples. ·         Folk dances are common people's dances. ·         Folk dancing is funnier, and free. It usually has a story line to the dance. ·         Folk dances on the other hand are based on traditions where the people who did the dance were not "professional" dancers. ·         Folk dances of India are all about energy, enthusiasm and Power. ·         There are more than 30 folk dances in India. some of the most popular are Kalbelia, Chari, Ghoomer, Fire, Kacchi Gori Dance are great entertainers

·         Classical is for enlightenment. Classical Indian dance is based on Natya Shastra. ·         Classical dance is dance that is highly stylized, intended for performance, and usually developed over a long period of time, often from what we today would call folk dances. ·         Generally it is understood that classical dance is developed in the high society circles. ·         Classical is more demanding. It is usually stricter with mainly technical aspects. ·         Classical dances are performed by professional or highly trained dancers who have studied their form (usually) for many years.  ·         classical dances are more about grace and composure ·         Today there are eight classical Dances in India. Bharatnatyam of Tamil Nadu, Mohiniaattam of Kerala, Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh, Manipuri of Northeast India, Orissi from Orissa, and Kathak from north India, Sattriya form Assam, and Kathakali from Kerala.