Kalbelia

The video is a presentation on the Kalbelia dance form of the Kalbelias of Rajasthan. The Kalbelia dance is a folk dance integral to the Kalbelia culture. The Kalbelia dance is also known as Sapera dance since the Kalbelias are known as traditional snake charmers. This nomadic tribe used to travel from place to place trading snake venom. The movements and costume of the dance is said to reflect the close association of the tribe with snakes. Both males and females participate in this dance. The females are the dancers while the males accompany them on a variety of musical instruments. A large variety of musical instruments are played during the dance like the pakhawaj, dholak, jhanjhar, harmonium and sarangi. However, the characteristic musical instrument of the dance is the pungi or been. This fast-paced dance showcases the performer’s flexibility. The dancers wear the distinctive black lehengas and elaborate jewellery.