Rajasthani Dances

Dance is an expression of human emotion as mush as music and it is found in almost limitless variations in Rajasthan. Simple unsophisticated, dancing is seen in their fairs and festivals in the kudakna of the Meena boys, the dancing which goes with the Rasiya songs of Braj, and the dancing by women and men where the women carry a pot or a lighted lamp on their head. In the Charkala dance of Braj, an elaborate lampstand replaces the single lamp.

The famous Ghoomar, Rajasthan's popular dance gets its name from ghoomna, the pirouetting which displays spectacular colors of the flowing ghagra, the long skirt of the Rajasthani women. Men have a range of their own more vigourous dances.

The Gair of Mewar have inner and outer circles of dancers who move diagonally or loop in and out. It is intricate and fascinating. The Gair of Jodhpur is performed in a single file and martial 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 colorful pennants, makes the Bam rasiya of the Braj region spectecular. It is performed at holi. The Kucchhi Ghodhi 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, elbows, waists, arms and a pair in their hands as well. Their male accompanists sing and play the tandoora while the women, with sextrous and fine movements, create a strong rhythm with the manjeeras. Foe 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 vigourous and graceful. An authentic fire dance is performed by the Jasnathis of Bikaner and Churu districts. The accompanying music rises in tempo as the dance progresses, ending with the performer dancing on brightly glowing embers-a breathtaking and deeply impressive sight.