Folk artist Karan Jodhani will be conducting a workshop on Ghoomar in Mumbai

Rajasthani folk dancers at Indore. Pic/AFP

It's time to perfect that twirl as folk artist Karan Jodhani will be conducting a workshop in the city on Ghoomar, a traditional Rajasthani folk dance that is performed by women for female functions like mehendi and the celebration of the birth of a child. You'd have probably seen veiled women in a few Bollywood movies and albums pirouetting while moving in and out of a wide circle. "Derived from the Hindi word ghoomna or the circular twirl of the ghaghra, the steps are in circular fashion and the twirls," explains Jodhani, who is a performer and founder of Folk Innovations, a community that promotes folk dances of India.

Folk Artist Karan Jodhani

"As the verses of the songs tell the story of a girl conversing with her mother on how she would like to get married, the dance is performed on special occasions and festivals for women. Men can be part of it but only as audience," he shares.

But what is the relevance of such a workshop for the city people? "Women and girls can perform this dance form on various occasions especially those from the Marwari, Gujarati and Sindhi communities. Since we will be teaching the authentic dance form, this is a chance to reconnect with traditions," he says.
The workshop will cover twirls and hand gestures like the mayur moving mudras. Peppered with folklore, attendees will also be guided on the traditional costume replete with colourful ghagras embellished with mirror-work.

When: Eight sessions starting January 15
Where: House of Wow, Bandra; Arpita Step Up Academy, Vile Parle East
Entry: Rs 3,000
call: 9930246031