CONTENTS: Preface, Foreword, Welcome to Manipuri: Importance of Dance in Manipur's Culture, 1. History of Manipuri Dance: Origins and Evolution: History and the Royal Chronicle, Origins and Evolution, Manipuri Dance and its Classification, 2. Indigenous Dances: Thang-Ta, Lai Haraoba, 3. Classical Dance Forms: What is a Sankirtana?, Pung Cholom, The Cosmic Dance of Krishna and Radha, 4. Dances for Festivity: Yaosang, Kang Chingba, Jhulon, Kwak Jatra, 5. Inspiration From Nature: The Graceful Illusion of Manipur's Sangai Deer Sagol Kangjei, The Gait of Birds and Animals, Symbolism of Flowers, Symbolism of Flowers, Costumes Inspired by Nature, Nature in Accessories, Symbolism and Spirituality, 6. Ojhas-The Masters, 7. Learning Manipuri Dance: Anoirol, Ishei and Tala Raas Leela, 8. New Directions: Modern Influences, 9. Dances for Childen, Straight From My Heart, Acknowledgements.