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From
the desert region of India, Rajasthan, comes the snake charming
dance of the Khalbelia Gypsies. Wild and sensuous, the skilled
dancers accentuate subtle, snake-like movements. As they dance,
they fall intorapid spins, whirlin their large black skirts
adorned with ribbons of color. Dancers are accompanied by percussion
and a wind instrument called the ‘poongi’, also
known as the ‘snake charming flute’. In recent history
the Sapera dancers were hired by great kings and maharajas as
well as dancing within their community.
The Khalbelia are semi-nomadic, many living in loosely assembled
shelters made of brush on the outskirts of towns. Due to their
low status in the caste system, they are thought of as outcasts,
often associated with squatters and thieves. 'Khalbelia Gypsies'
live much like they have for centuries. |
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Colleena
is in Rajasthan much of the year where she lives closely with
a tribe of Khalbelia in the Ajmer District of Rajasthan. Over
the years she has witnessed these natural performers break down
their vivacious personalities through hard times and joy to become
a fiercely loving family. Using her passion for dance as a springboard
to understanding one of the planets few remaining tribal societies,
Colleena’s work with these low caste entertainers is a perspective
never before gained by an outsider.
As
a performer of Khalbelia ‘Gypsy’ dance, she has performed
with some of the most sought after Khalbelia dancers and musicians
in the world and continues to perform regularly in Rajasthan,
India with Benwari lal and Party and well as Kalu Nath and Party.
(She is currently working to bring these amazingly talented people
to the USA and release a CD of live and studio recordings she
has put together.)
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Other projects include hosting young Khalbelia
dancers to teach regular classes at her dance school (Shakti
Studios) in Pushkar, Rajasthan.
Our first year of classes were very successful in empowering these
girls to feel proud of who they are, as well as giving them an
‘honest’ way of making a decent wage. |
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Khalbelia
‘Gypsy’ dance TWO -
A deeper look at Khalbelia dance
In this workshop we explore the subtleties of the dance movements
like timing and emphasis points. Colleena will discuss regional
style difference as well as generational style difference giving
some perspective on the amount of variety within this dance.
The “tak-tak-din”, will be introduced as well as
many new movements to add to your improvisational dance. We
will move faster than the first workshop so ankle bells are
encouraged and don’t forget to wear a big dance skirt!
To arrange a workshop in your area, or for private lessons,
please contact colleenashakti@yahoo.com
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Lecture
/ Demonstration Series:
Khalbelia Gypsies- Nomadic Snake Charmers of Rajasthan: In this
lecture I talk about experiences and research from over 5 years
of living and performing with these wild ‘outcasts’
whom are both adored for their dance and feared for their black
magic. The evolution of their passionate improvisational dance
is outlined from its early beginnings to present, leading us through
the Khalbelia history (from a caste of sadhu beggars, to the most
sought after performers in Rajasthan). Lecture can include video
footage of the dance or a demonstration performance. |
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