Different Forms of Rajasthan Dance Ghoomar Dance: This is basically a community dance for women and performed
on. auspicious occasions. Derived from the word ghoomna, piroutte, this is a
very simple dance where the ladies move gently, gracefully in circles.
Gait Ghoomar: This is one of the many dance-forms of the Bhil tribals.
Performed during Holi festival, this is among a few performances where both
men and women dance together.
Gait: Another Holi dance but performed only by men. This becomes Dandia
Gair in Jodhpur and Geendad in Shekhawati.
Chart Dance: This is popular in the Kisherigarh region and involves dancing
with a chari, or pot, on one’s head. A lighted lamp is then placed on the
pot.
Kachhi Ghodi: This is a dance performed on dummy horses. Men in elaborate
costumes ride the equally well decorated dummy horses. Holding naked swords,
these dancers move rhythmically to the beating of drums and fifes. A singer
narrates the exploits of the Bavaria bandits of Shekhawati.
Fire Dance: The Jasnathis of Bikaner and Chum are renowned for their
tantric powers and this dance is in keeping with their lifestyle. A large ground
is prepared with live wood and charcoal where the Jasnathi men and boys jump
on to the fire to the accompaniment of drum beats. The music gradually rises
in tempo and reaches a crescendo, the dancers seem to be in a trance
like state. Drum Dance: This is a professional dance-form from Jalore. Five
men with huge drums round their necks,some with huge cymbals accompany a dancer
who holds a naked sword in his mouth and performs vigorously by twirling three
painted sticks.
Teerah Taali: The Kamad community of Pokhran and Deedwana perform this
dance in honour of theft deity, Baba Ramdeo. A rather unusual performance where
the men play a four-stringed instrument called a chau-tara and the women sit
with dozens of manjeeras, or cymbals, tied on all over their bodies and strike
them with the ones they hold in their hands. Sometimes, the women also hold
a sword between their teeth or place pots with lighted lamps on their heads.
Kathputli: Puppet plays based on popular legends are performed by skilled
puppeteers. Displaying his skill in making the puppets’ act and dance,
the puppeteer is accompanied by a woman, usually his wife, who plays the dholak,
or drum and sings the ballad.
Pabuji Ki Phach: A 14th century folk hero, Pabuji is revered by the Bhopa
community. The phad, or scroll, which is about 10 metres long, highlights the
life and heroic deed of Pabuji. The Bhopas are invited by villagers to perform
in their areas during times of sickness and misfortune. The ballad
is sung by the Bhopa as he plays the Ravan-hattha and he is joined by his wife
who holds a lamp and illuminates the relevant portions at appropriate points.
Maand: Rajasthan’s most sophisticated style of folk music and has
come a long way from the time it was only sung in royal courts, in praise of
the Rajput rulers.
Professional singers still sing the haunting ballads of Moomal Mahendra, Dhola-Maru
and other legendary lovers and heroes.
Music & Dance, Rajasthan Tourism Inquiry / Reservation Form
trance
like state. Drum Dance: This is a professional dance-form from Jalore. Five
men with huge drums round their necks,some with huge cymbals accompany a dancer
who holds a naked sword in his mouth and performs vigorously by twirling three
painted sticks. 
ballad
is sung by the Bhopa as he plays the Ravan-hattha and he is joined by his wife
who holds a lamp and illuminates the relevant portions at appropriate points.
