CBSE Class 12 Dance Syllabus 2026-27

DANCE Subject Code: 056 to 061 Class -XII (2026-27)

The objective of the theory and practical course in Indian Classical Dance, Indian Traditional Dance, Drama or Theatre forms is to acquaint the students with the literary and historical background of the Indian performing arts in general, arid dance drama form offered in particular. It is presumed that the students offering these subjects will have had preliminary training in the particular form, either within the school system or in informal education. The Central Board of Secondary Education being an All-India Organization has its schools all over the country. In order to meet the requirements of the schools, various forms or regional styles have been included in the syllabus. The schools may OFFER ANY ONE OF THE STYLES. Since the syllabi are closely linked with the culture, it is desirable that the teachers also make themselves familiar with the aspects of Indian Cultural History; classical and medieval period of its literature.

Any one style from the following may be offered by the students:

INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE

1. Kathak
2. Bharatnatyam
3. Kuchipudi
4. Odissi
5. Manipuri
6. Kathakali

(A)KATHAK DANCE (CODE NO.056) CLASS-XII (2026-27)

Total Marks: 100

Marks:30

Theory Time-2 Hours

1. A brief history with other classical dance styles of India.
2. Basic understanding of the term ABHINAYA and definition of its four aspects: angika, vachika, aharya, satvika.
3. Aquitance of the three gharanas of kathak dance (Lucknow, Jaipur, Banaras)
4. Rasa: definition and explanation of nine rasas.
5. Knowledge of the following terms: (short note) sangeet, tal, laya, angahara, bhramari, lokadharmi, natyadharmi, rasa and bhava.
6. Knowledge of the technical terminology of the dance form.

1. Definition of the following:
2. Vandana
3. Tihaayi
4. Aamad

1. Toda/Tukraa
2. Paran
3. Chakardar Toda / Tukraa and Paran
4. Gatnikas
5. Gatbhaav
6. Knowledge of Theka of Dadra, Kaharwa, Roopak.
7. Definition of Tali, Khali, Sam, Tihaayi.
8. Ability to notate a Tukraa/Toda and Paran.
9. Acquaintance with the traditional costumes and makeup.

CLASS-XII

Practical

Marks:70

1. Practice of the tatkar set to teen taal and jhap taal in slower tempo, in its double(dugun) and four times (chougun) tempos.
2. Student should know all the techniques and compositions of the following:

1. Vandanaa 1
2. Thaat
3. Aamad 2
4. Fast aamad 2
5. Tukda, Toda 1
6. Tihaayi 4
7. Gatnikas 3
8. Gatbhav 1
9. Parhant of tukra/todaa, with hasta- kriyaa 1

NOTE: The students should be taught some of these in jhap taal and dhamar tal.

1. Ability to improvise in nritta and abhinaya.
2. Parhant (recitation of bols) to the basic theka of all compositions learnt.

DANCE (KATHAK)

PRACTICAL GUIDELINES TO THE EXAMINERS FOR EVALUATION OF KATHAK PRACTICALS CLASS-XII

Marks:70

Practical

Time: At the discretion of the examiner.

General Instructions:

There are four important aspects of Kathak which need careful assessment. They are:

1. Angashudhi, which means that movements of limbs and torso should not only begraceful and aesthetic butal so in accordance with the style of the Kathak dance.
2. Laya, i.e., the steadiness of tempo and command over rhythmic structure in any passage of dance.
3. Bhaav-Paksh, i.e., the capability to express through mime in which face plays a dominant role.
4. Tatkaar, i.e., neatness in executing complicated footwork.

Distribution of marks and other instructions

The total marks of 70 may be divided as indicated below:

1. For the Angashuddhi 20 marks may be allotted, for laya and Bhaav- paksh each may be allotted 15 marks, and footwork (Tatkaar) 10 marks. The remaining 10 marks may be equally divided for repertoire and Parhant.

1. Each examinee should perform for about 15 minutes and in all the three layas, i.e., vilambit, madhya and drut. In Vilambit Laya he/she may perform Thaat, Aamed, Ganesh Paran, fast Aamad, Tihai and Tatkaar; in Madhya Laya; Tukra/Todaa, Paran, Abhinaya of a Thumri/ Bhajan; and in Drut Laya; Gatnikaas and Gat-Bhaav.

1. As said above five marks may be allotted for the richness of the repertoire. The examinee is required to perform at least one item from each of the intra forms mentioned in the syllabus, i.e., Vandanaa, Ganesh Paran, Thaat, Aamad, fast Aamad, Parmelu, Tihaayi, Gat- nikaas and Gat-bhaav.