Media

Media has had a profound impact on the balancing of Indian tradition and culture and American influences. A lot of First-Generation Indian American Immigrants have prioritized the arts as a way to maintain self-expression and their heritage with plenty of opportunities in the U.S. to impart training to second-generation Indians. Many have enrolled their kids in dance and music classes. Some teachings adhere strictly to classical traditions, emphasizing the preservation of the art forms as they originated in India. Others, however, incorporate a blend of classical, folk, and popular styles. Amongst Second and Third generations it is also common to blend cultural styles of the arts with American societal influences (Verma, Namasté America: Indian Immigrants in an American Metropolis). 

Music

Indian American preferences in music are subjective and cover all genres. For some, they may range from Indian classical music, which might include instruments such as the stringed sitar, the tabla, or drums, and the harmonium, to popular music from Indian films and American music and films. Many well-liked songs, artists, and bands mix traditional Indian music with other genres. 

Featured are a few of the trending Indian American artists. In many of these lyrics and music videos, it is easy to see the cultural fusion between Indian and American styles, values and influences.

Dance

Indian folk dances like the exuberant Bhangra from the Punjab region are popular at celebratory gatherings of the community. In this dance, dancers throw their arms in the air and simulate the actions of the farmer at work with his sickle. Traditional Bhangra music is increasingly being fused with elements of hip-hop, rap, and reggae, and bands like Alaap or Toronto's Dhamak are popular with younger members of the community (Pavri, Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America).

One of the main schools of classical Indian dance that is very well-represented in the U.S. is the Kathak. The Kathak is a dance originating from North India that evolved from the courtly Mogul traditions of entertainment for royalty. 

Shown below is a performance under another major school of classical Indian dance: the Bharatanatyam. This dance style is performed to re-enact Hindu mythology with the body, hands, and facial expressions. This is said to have a 3,000 year-old tradition in South India (Verma, Namasté America: Indian Immigrants in an American Metropolis).  

Mass Media

Mass media, i.e. television and social media, connects many Indian American immigrants to their homeland. Being in the same setting is no longer a prerequisite for the sharing of experiences, to the advantage of every generation of Indian Americans.