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.