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  Ghoomar dance is an elegant women’s dance done at times of celebration. It includes swaying movements, enhanced by the brightly colored veils and skirts flaring out as the women twirl in circles. This is an elegant circle dance with beautiful hand gestures and small hip movements. It can be performed as a solo or duet, but is generally thought to be more of a group dance.  
     
 

Ghoomar is the dance of the Rajput caste. Rajasthan, until only recently, was divided into kingdoms ruled by Maharaja’s who lived in extravagant palaces. The Rajput caste is the royal warrior caste and included the Maharaja’s family. Traditionally the dance is performed only by the women of the Maharaja’s court at the festival of Gauri Puja. Gauri is another name for Parvati, Shiva’s wife- the Mother Goddess (*In Hindi = Ma or Mata)

On the first day of this spring festival, women gather in front of the palace’s statue of Shiva and Parvati and dance for them in offering. They dance and sing asking for a good husband if unmarried and for the long life of their husbands if married. The songs and dance continue for two days with the statue of Gauri turned backwards on its alter. On the third day the statue is turned the same direction as Shiva, her husband. Women then parade in their colorful dresses and pots full of flowers balanced on their head through the streets carrying the statue to the bathing ghats of a local river or lake. Here they bathe the statue and dance for her one last time.

  
     
  Today the dance is done at festivals and weddings as a celebration for all castes to enjoy. It is common to see women dancing Ghoomar into the late hours of the night. Women wear their finest Rajasthani dresses, which are often vibrant sunset colors. The outfit includes a large skirt, blouse and full sized Odni, all adorned with sequins and embroidery. The women spin as their skirts and light veils flow outward, creating a blossoming of color. Faces are hung down and veils warn over the eyes and nose so the only part of the dancers face you would see is their smile. A basic rhythm is established by footwork; spins are common and symbolic hand gestures are used to convey the story of the song.  
 
  Colleena has been dancing Ghoomar in Rajasthan and performing for audiences for several years. She is noted as one of the first westerners to develop an authentic style that is pleasing to both Rajasthani and western audiences a like. Undoubtedly this is due to her extensive and ongoing research on the subject of Ghoomar. The past few years of her research has unfolded many mysteries to the ‘true’ history of the Ghoomar style, quite different from how we may now see it performed today on Indian television or movies. Colleena is currently working to complete shooting a film documentary on Rajasthani folk dance with a heavy focus on Ghoomar dance as well as a publishing articles on related subjects.

“I am originally from India and I have never seen such authentic Indian dance in the United States. There is something magical about what you do.” R. Gopal- Portland,OR 		 
 
  In this workshop we talk briefly about the history and cultural background of Ghoomar, then move into stylized movements, facial expression, mudra’s (hand position) and covering some of the lyrics of the song. By the end of the workshop we will have learned a complete group choreography. Private lessons are also available to focus more deeply on technique and detail.

To arrange a workshop in your area, please contact Colleena at colleenashakti@yahoo.com   		 
 
 

To purchase Colleena’s photography or authentic Ghoomar costuming please go to Shakti Imports

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