DANCES OF RAJASTHAN
With Maria ROBIN
Maria Robin has been steeped in Eastern, Central Asian and Gitan music and dance since her childhood. She trained with dancer Gulabi Sapera in the dances of Rajasthan. As a singer and dancer herself, she performs with her father Titi Robin, the group Dùnya and as a duo with the Iranian soloist Shadi Fathi. Maria Robin teaches Rajasthani dance in France and abroad.
Kalbeliya dance was born in North Eastern India, among the Kalbeliya caste – nomads who cross the Thar desert and camp at the fringes of big towns. Inspired by reptile movements, it is an expressive, sensual and dynamic dance, characterised by trance-like spins and the grace of its movements.
The ghoomar dance is very popular in Rajasthan. It is danced in a circle, with precise and delicate gestures that illustrate the words of the song, and is repeated in a hypnotic and captivating manner. It is a joyous dance that celebrates femininity and is traditionally performed at weddings and family celebrations.
An introduction to the basic techniques (steps, gestures, spins, facial expressions) will allow students to become familiar with the traditional dances. The focus will be on the musicality of the dance, the rhythm and the improvised dialogue between the musicians.
