What are the similarities and differences between the different classical dance forms of India?

I have learnt three forms out of the 8 classical dances …..I would emphasize more on them, that is, bharathanatyam , mohiniattam and kuchipudi…. Bharathanatyam - it is originated from Tamil Nadu , towards south of India…it's a form where everything is stiff and perfect …. every movement is accurate and each step is perfectly portrayed … Differentiation :- it's usually stiff , fast and sculptured ….. even during each move ,the eyes hands , and legs are trained in a way it is spontaneous and to the point …. The expressions are subtle. .. not too more and not too less… Mohiniattam : it is originated from kerala again towards south of India. .. mohiniattam ( dance of enchantress) is known for its lasya….. Differentiation :- in mohiniattam , the basic posture is parted feet ( a measure is there which I can't explain through words, apologies for it) , erect upper body and gentle swaying side to side and also an 8 shape swaying ( or olachil) ….. I remember my teacher saying when we perform mohiniattam , the way we do olachil should be in a way that the audience feel that the palm trees are swaying in the wind …. Mohiniattam has elaborate but silent and soothing expressions ….. Kuchipudi: originated from Andhra Pradesh , in a village kuchipudi …. kuchipudi was initially a drama which evolved to be a classical dance form… Differentiation :- kuchipudi since it was a drama … we sing the song or the lip movement is involved in it , the expressions are little elaborate and a little over expressive and each movements involve additional movements of hips and eyes. …… However I feel kuchipudi is a mixture of mohiniattam and bharathanatyam. …. I apologise since I do not know much about other dance forms…. However, since I have seen a lot of kathak performance I would say, kathak does not have aramandalam , it has sequenced tapping of feet and clear cut and graceful hand movements. read less

All the 8⃣ dances are classical and ancient originated from different states and performed in Temple and theme is natya shastra with music is Hindustani ,Dhrupad.The dance is performed by men and women.There are different types of physical expression and facial expression and eye expression in dance.The dance denotes love to God and preserve culture and history.There are prayer,meditation blessing and happiness through dance.The dance remove stress and make active and flexible.It tell story about Ramayana Mahabharata,Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna.The dance performed by women on Kathak and Kuchipudi.The dance is performed in private recital and public gathering in Mohinittam dance. read less