“My journey into folk dance started at an early age. I represent the Kalbeliya dance community of Rajasthan, performing folk dance across several states in India at various national and international events. I learned Kalbeliya dance through the guidance of my mother. I am also a trained Bhavai dancer. Bhavai is one of the traditional folk dances of Rajasthan which involves women dancers balancing 6 to 9 pitchers on their heads and dancing simultaneously.

Considered by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage, Kalbeliya is performed by the rural women living in the Thar desert region. We dance sinuously to the music using traditional instruments, such as dholak (two-headed hand drum), khanjar (percussion instrument), and pungi (a woodwind instrument).

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My interest and enthusiasm towards the Kalbeliya art form captured the eyes of the Department of Culture officials of Jodhpur and I even got an opportunity to represent this art form across several cities in the country.
Very recently, we performed the Kalbeliya dance in the Hunar Haat Mahotsav held in Hyderabad. We also take up the work to perform in the cultural programs at recreational spaces like Dhola-Ri-Dhani as part of the cultural dance segments.

We even perform in cultural and wedding events, as part of cultural entertainment programs. Today, I am pursuing a career in folk dance form, Kalbeliya dance, full time with the support of my family. My aim is to spread this dance art form globally; preserving our country’s cultural heritage.”

• Aarthi, Folk Dancer from the Thar Desert