Indian classical dances, rooted in deep traditions, came virtually into their own after the nation's Independence. The process, begun in the 1930's, gathered momentum soon and received ample re-vitalisation within next half a century and count today Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak, Manipuri, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi and Sattriya among eight recognised genres, with Vilasininatyam and Chhau rapidly claiming shares of recognition. Structure and spirit of these exciting dance-styles – as handed down by the gurus — depend on their avowed practitioners whose collective corpus of work is seen here through an analytical eye, in dialogue with the dancers: so as not to miss their own creative viewpoints. To each critical survey's body-and-soul has been added the dancers' own voice, — by including overviews by some prominent professionals of each genre. This is an unusual stance, — steering clear of high scholarship and capturing, instead, the aura and aroma of practice alongside personality. All in all, the book – lavishly illustrated — tries to faithfully mirror the exciting times that Indian dance lives in today.