Kachhi Ghodi | Kalbeliya | Kathputli | Terahtaali
Kachhi Ghodi
Originated from the bandit regions of Shekhawati,
the dance is performed for the entertainment of the bridegroom's party. Dancers while
elaborate costumes that resemble them riding on dummy horse. A vigorous dance, it uses
mock fights and the brandishing of swords, nimble sidestepping and pirouetting to the
music of fifes and drums. A ballad singer usually sings the exploits of the bandit Robin
Hoods of Rajasthan.
Kalbeliya
One of the sensuous dance forms of Rajasthan, performed by the Kalbeliyas, the
snake charmers community. The sapera dancers wear long, black skirt embroidered with
sliver ribbons.
As they spin in a circle, their body sways acrobatically, so that it is impossible to believe that they are made of anything other than rubber. As the beat increases in tempo, the pace increases in such a pitch that it leaves viewer as exhausted as the dancer.
A tradition of puppeteering has long existed in Rajasthan. A travelling form of entertainment, it uses the ballads, retold in the voice of the puppeteer who is assisted by his family in erecting a make shift stage. Puppets are strung on the stage and recount historic anecdotes, replay tale of love and include much screeching and high pitched sounds as the puppets twirl and move frenetically.
TerahtaaliA devotional form of dance practiced be the Kamad community, to honor their folk hero Baba Ramdev, it consists of women sitting on the floor before his image.
Tied to various parts of their body are thirteen cymbals, which they strike with the ones they hold in their hand. Their hands perform various arabesques while they do this and for effect, they may also balance pots on their hands and hold a sword in their mouth.
Bhavai | Chari | Gair | Ghoomar