Our Pushkar Family Welcomes you....

To immerse yourself in the richness of Rajasthani Tribal and ‘Gypsy’ culture!  Experience private performances, live musicians, detailed and authentic dance instruction, camel rides, amazing costuming opportunities and once in a lifetime moments!  10 hours of dance instruction, plus many hours of performances.

 
Dates: (offered twice this season!)

#1:  Jan 29 - Feb 5
#2:  Mar 12 - Mar 19

Includes:

·      Instruction on a survey of different Rajasthani folk dances (Ghoomar, Chedi, Khalbelia, Marwari, etc)

·      Dance class every day with live Rajasthani Musicians (10 hours total)

·      Learn detailed history and cultural information

·      Camel rides through the famous Pushkar desert

·      Day trip to 'Gypsy' encampment with private performance

·      Access to rare and authentic costuming

·      Performance by Langa and Khalbelia musicians

·      Childrens performance by local Gypsy children

·      Singing performance by Gypsy women

·      Special guest dance teacher for one class

·      Performance possibility (for you!) at the conclusion of course

Description:
Colleena is the first foreigner to have gone to such depths into the Rajasthani Khalbelia ‘Gypsy’ community and has been living closely with them for over 6 years. She has performed with many Khalbelia dancers and musicians from the Langa and Manganyier castes through out Rajasthan and India.  In 2007 Colleena and her Rajasthani musicians performed for the President and Vice President of India in a celebration of Rajasthani culture.  At the performance she was acknowledged for her dedicated work in Rajasthani traditional and tribal arts.  At Shakti School of Dance she has employed her local Khalbelia sisters to teach their tribal dance to students from around the world.  This opportunity has provided a platform for immense growth in these young Rajasthani dancers. The girls have learned to understand their own dance on a deeper level and earn a respectable income through their traditional art, in turn greatly benefiting the standard of living for their whole family.

The Rajasthani Dance Immersion is the first time such a complete cultural experience is offered of this kind.  Students will benefit from the years of groundwork laid by Colleena and have safe access to various different tribes and communities of traditional music and dance, which otherwise would be very inaccessible.   Unforgettable moments are planned, such as: riding on a ceremonially dressed camel through the desert at sunset to a ‘Gypsy’ campfire where your own private performance will take place and incredible personalized instruction from dancers and musicians.

Dance training in Rajasthani dance with Colleena involves layers of preparatory technique and relevant cultural background.  Basic steps, concepts of improvisational folk dance, as well as Indian Classical dance and expression of music within the cultural identity are included in this intensive.  Students will receive handouts and detailed presentations will be given over the week.  The dance instruction will be divided between Colleena (focusing on technique, posturing and cultural background) and Khalbelia Gypsy dancers (giving an authentic dance experience).



Cost:
8,000 Rp. for total Immersion Program (performances and instruction)

*Family and friends are welcome to join you for the performance and day trip activity sections
4,000 Rp. for performance package (no instruction included)

Additional options:
-Rajasthani Traditional Feast with Live Private Performance
-Music instruction with musicians