The Kalbeliya dance boasts of fluid body gestures to the sound of the pungi (flute), akin to the movement of cobras the instrument evokes. The power-packed dance style is characterised by fast spins, elegant hand gestures, hip moves and rhythmic tapping of the feet to the beats of the dholak, dafli, chang and manjeeras. The income helps these women to sustain their families. Any additional donations support a COVID-19 food relief programme for needy artistes in Jaipur, Pushkar and Jodhpur.

Dr Ayla Joncheere 

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These performers faced several challenges, Joncheere adds, "Many live without adequate water or electricity. One of our teachers who lives in a hut and uses her smartphone to teach, travels to the nearest town to ensure her phone is fully charged before a class. When a thunderstorm damaged her entire roof, she moved to her neighbour's house to conduct the session. Her income helped her build a new roof."

The team is trying to help these teachers with solar panels and Wi-Fi. Was language a barrier, we ask. "Kalbeliya surpasses such barriers as the teacher creates movements spontaneously inspired by the mood of the music and the students dance along." Besides, many speak English, thanks to their past experience with international students. If they face a hurdle, translators step in. Their global volunteers, are helping them teach classes in Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese and French.

The Kalbeliya performers are over the moon with the response. "The connection between women around the world through dance is a powerful, positive message in these bleak times. That's the solidarity, we need," Joncheere signs off.

On Everyday
Cost Rs 750
Log on to kalbeliyaworld.com

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