| S.No. |
Classical |
Folk |
| 1. |
It is a highly evolved form of dance |
It is at early stage of evolution. |
| 2. |
Classical dance has its genesis in Natya shastra of bharat muni. |
No such relationship with Natyashastra |
| 3. |
Has well defined steps, gestures known as karanas and angahara. |
No such well defined steps, gestures etc. |
| 4. |
The level of standardisation is very high in classical dance. There are institutions to maintain the standards. |
No such standard in folk form |
| 5. |
These are associates with temples or courts |
Developed by local people in the context of fairs, festivals and season |
| 6. |
They enjoyed recognition by sangeet natak academy. |
No such recognition
|
| 7. |
Eg. Bharatnatyam, kuchipudi, kathakhali, Mohiniattam,odissi,sattriya, Manipuri, kathak |
Eg. Tera tali, gavari, mand etc. |