North Indian Kalbeliya Dance
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9th - 25th March, 2021, 3-4.15pm GMT
Course Fee: £90 (or purchase modules separately for £50)
This course, delivered in partnership with Kalbeliya World, provides an in-depth introduction to a North Indian artform known as Kalbeliya dance developed by a nomadic community in the state of Rajasthan. Being recognised as 'intangible cultural heritage' by UNESCO since 2010, Kalbeliya dance is often seen as an ancient tradition. However, this same dance practice, also known as ‘Indian gypsy’ or ‘snake charmers’ folk dance, appears to have originated as recently as the 1980s. Joncheere’s research gives an account of the swift development of Kalbeliya dance from its first appearance on stage in 1981 to the present.
Through this course, you will gain a fascinating critical insight into a dance at the crossroads of commercial tourism and political folklorism. You will also have the opportunity to try out how it looks and feels to dance with classes from original practitioners on video link from Rajasthan.
Participants will be able to access recordings of the course until the end of January - so you can participate from any time zone and at your own pace.
Module 1: The story of Kalbeliya dance: A short ethnographical course with Dr. Ayla Joncheere (Ghent University)
Tuesday 9th March, 3-4.15pm GMT
Tuesday 16th March, 3-4.15pm GMT
Tuesday 23rd March, 3-4.15pm GMT
Module 2: Kalbeliya Dance Practice: On-line dance classes with teachers in Rajasthan
Thursday 11th March, 3-4.15pm GMT
Thursday 18th March, 3-4.15pm GMT
Thursday 25th March, 3-4.15pm GMT
Important to note!
Kalbeliya dance is an improvised dance.
Each teacher has her own authentic style
You will learn the core Kalbeliya movement styles
This is not a choreography class, rather you will dance along with the teacher
Wearing a long skirt to class is recommended
Have water nearby
With Ayla Joncheere and Kalbeliya World