Features of the Manipuri dance:

• Manipuri dance incorporates both , the tandava (vigorous masculine) and Lasya (graceful feminine) elements.
• It is more restrained compared to the other dances of India.
• The movements are continuous and circular, merging into one another.
• The hand gestures or mudras gel gently with the overall movements.
• The facial expressions are not over the top but rather subdued. 
• Even in the more vigorous form, for instance, the Cholom, these features are maintained.
• The artist does not wear bells or anklets known as ghunghru, and this is in stark contrast with the other classical dances of India.
• The artist never establishes eye contact with the audience.
• The Manipuri classical style of singing is called Nat – very different from both Hindustani and Carnatic music, this style is known for its high pitched open throated singing with particular type of trills and modulations. 
• Main instruments – Pung, Kartal and Pena.
• Theme-influenced mainly by the Vaishnava theme of Hinduism. Also themes related to Shaivism, regional deities and Shaktism. In the Lasya style, the theme is mainly love stories of Radha – Krishna.