Folk
Dances
Dance
is an expression of human emotion as much as musical and it is found in almost
limities variations in Rajasthan simple, unsophisticated dancing is seen in
their fairs festivals in the kudakna of the Meena boys the dancing which goes
with the rasiya songs of Braj and the dancing the women and men where the women
carry a pot or a lighted lamp on their head. In the Charkula dance of braj an
elaborate lampstand replaces the single lamp.
The famous ghoomar, Rajasthan's popular dance gets its name from ghoomna, the
piroutting which display the spectacular colours of the flowing ghaghra, the
long skrit of the Rajasthani women. Men have a range of their own more vigorous
dances .The gair of mewar have inner and outer circles of dancers who move diagonally
and fascinating. The Gair of Jodhpur is performed in a single file and marital
costumes are worn for effect.
The Geendad of Shekhawati is similar. Sticks or swords are often used in male
dances, and the shekhawati dance has the daf accompanying it. Free dancing full
of Zest, with rows of dancers waving colourful peennants, make the Bam rasiya
of the Braj region spectacular. It is performed at Holi. The Kucchhi ghodi or
dummy horse dance is performed on festive occasions. The terahtali is a tantalising
dance performed by women while sitting the women have manjeeras(little brass
discs) tied with long strings to their wrists, arm and a pair in their hands
as well.
Their male accompanists sing and play the tandoora while the women, with dextrous
and fine movements create a strong rhythm with the manjeeras. For added effect
they may hold a sword between their teeth or balance pots or lighted lamps on
their heads. The dance of the kalbelia women is vigrous and graceful. An authentic
fire dance is performed by the Jasnathis of Bikaner and Churu districts.
The accompanying music rises in tempo as ge dance progresses, ending with the
performer dancing progresses, ending with the performer dancing on brightly
glowing embers breathtaking and deeply impressive sight.
Rajasthan Music & Dances
: Folk Music | Music
Instruments | Folk Dances | Tribal
Music & Dances
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