The dances in Rajasthan are very much absorbing and inviting that they can jump any one to tap his foot in harmony with the dancers. The rural ethnicity and customs are the roots from where Rajasthani folk dances originated. It is interesting to observe that these plenty of folk dances are being kept alive by ordinary rural women and men in Rajasthan and not by the qualified dancers. The rural dancers who practice different forms of these dances are, till now, following the era old customs and thus the beauty of these dances lies in these traditions. The dancers adorned with multi-colored and exciting costumes insert splendor to the dances along with the heroic movements and simple expressions. The Thar desert of Rajasthan and its scenery of the setting Sun presents the central stage for these local folk dancers.

Rajasthan’s folk dances depict the emotions of human in almost boundless variations than any other thing and truly a multimedia spectrum. Some of the dance performances are played by women or by men only while whole communities take part in some others. The traditional and roaming performers explain the religious and popular folklores and myths through exaggerated drama and dance to the audiences.

The popular and famous ‘Ghoomer’ dance has derived its name from the word Ghoomana in which fantastic colors of flowing Ghaghra, the long colorful skirt of woman of Rajasthan are displayed with dancer’s spin on one foot or even on the toe. Dancers move both clock-wise and anti clock-wise and also individually whirls at times with calculated steps and many other gestures of body like ballet dances, unite hands, snapping fingers or striking palms at distinctive rhythms, dancers move in a circle with the reinforced tone of a bowl-shaped drum. Dancers, with rising rhythms of the drum along with the music of elevated pitch, separate into pairs and spin at their own axis rapidly; these dance forms can magically bound and hypnotize anyone.

Rajasthan offers concealed enjoyment moments everywhere in state and one cannot realize the thrills by sitting and imagining at home. Tourist’s necessary visit destinations must be the sparkle of dance, the Tehrathali, an alluring dance performance by sitting women. The Manjeeras (small brass discs) with very long strings tied to women’s elbow, wrists, arms, waists with Manjeera pair in their palms. To add magical effect women may grip a sword amid their teeth or may firm lighted lamps or pots on their heads.

The Traditional Heritage

The famous dances and folk music of Rajasthan can only be enjoyed by taking a musical tour. The Rajasthan Government organizes cultural programmes, festivals, fairs and other events to provide benefaction and self employment to folk artists. The Government is also undertaking to educate the local people and directed the cultural department to enhance and safe guard the interest of rich cultural heritage reflected by folk songs and dances. Rajasthan is full of festivals related to religion, animals, eco-system etc where music and dances are performed by artists to take every visitor to jubilation with newer display of excellence in dances and music.

Famous Dance Forms of Rajasthan

Kalbelia Dance

This Dance is ancient and performed by Kalbelia Community who are snake charmers and sale the snake venom also. The women of Kalbelia community perform this dance in black colored costumes and movements of dance are similar to the movements of the serpents. It is interesting to observe that these women dance on the tunes produced by an instrument ‘Been’ which is also used to allure the snakes. This effective Kalbelia dance form totally captivates the onlookers.

Ghoomar Dance

Traditionally, Ghoomar dance was exclusively performed by Rajput women, out of bound of men, on fortunate occasions. This dance is performed only by the women with covered faces in a veil. During this dance circular movements with traditional song’s singing are done elegantly and delightfully.

Chari Dance

The traditional Chari dance, indeed, needs great patience and skill because dance is performed with lamps in hand and pots on the head along with this dancers also presents many elegant and supple body movements. Chari dance is generally performed on cheerful occasions such as birth of a child or marriage.

Kacchi-Ghodi Dance

The replica horse dance or Kacchi-Ghodi Dance is mainly from the Shekhawati’s bandit regions. The dummy horses and the dancers both are richly clad and then perform sequences of sword fighting with extreme vitality and fineness. The songs of gallant and heroic men are usually sung by ballad singers. This form of Ghodi Dance is also performed on cheerful occasions.

Fire Dance

This traditional and difficult form of dance is the main dance of Banjara Community. This dance form includes incredible fire stunts in which the dancer performs by keeping the fire sticks in their hand and their mouths filled with kerosene oil. The fire sticks are moved by dancers on their legs and heads.

Terah Taal (Thirteen Beat) Dance

Terah Taal is a form of attractive dance in which the dancers tie their body on thirteen places and keep striking Manjeeras in their palms. This dance is executed with rituals to delight local deity of Rajasthan, Baba Ramdeo.