Chhau dance follows certain fundamental traditions of the classical modes as detailed in the ancient treatises. In this, therefore three main elements of the classical dance, namely Raga or melody, Bhava or mood, tala or rhythmic timing are found.

In Chhau dances, there are many dance forms depicting nature and animal world such as Mayura Nritya or Peacock dance, Sagara nritya or Ocean dance, Sarpa Nritya or serpent dance etc. The Harvest dances and also stories from Ramayana, Mahabharatha are depicted quite often. The themes of the dance are taken from mythology, everyday life, and aspects of nature and at times the dance is simply the delineation of a mood, state or condition.

All three traditions of Chhau dance carry what may be called an elemental pulse. In no other classical dance of India is the pounding of the rhythm so intense, so full-bodied. Here the dancer employs his entire body and his entire being, as a single unit, as his language. And this language is at once poetic and powerful. The legs in particular offer a wide range of studied extensions and sweeps, and the torso emphatic turns and thrusts. Even though the face is hidden behind the mask, the mask uncannily expresses what the body feels or wishes to communicate.