India offers a number of classical dance forms that take their themes from India's rich mythology and folk legends. Each form represents the culture and ethos of a particular region or a group of people. The genesis of the contemporary styles of classical dances can be traced to the period between 1300 and 1400 C.E. Through lecture and demonstration, this presentation explored the historical context within which classical dances develop in India and their significance to the lives of the Indian people.