Dance with a difference definitely..

A touch of Rajasthan

The Navchetna Kala Woman’s Organisation whose members comprise women from Rajasthan brings down dance troupes from Udaipur, holds workshops on personality development and provides a forum for community members to interact

Aditi Thirani Salisbury Park

The Navchetna Kala Woman’s Organisation whose members comprise women from Rajasthan helps them develop their interests and hobbies by conducting short-term courses and regularly organising dance programmes. The two year-old forum also holds workshops on personality development and cooking. Most of the Navchetna’s programmes are generally held at Salisbury Park.

Every programme generates huge response and Navchetna worshops have people flocking from different parts of the country. "Last year one of our programmes attracted 20 people from different states," says one of the organisers. In fact the dance troupe of Guddu Maharaj from Udaipur is so famous that he is invited regularly. "Even though I come all the way from there, I don’t mind coming back as the response I get is overwhelming," he says. Guddu Maharaj’s dance workshops that last for around 15 to 20 days teaches everything from the basics to the higher Rajasthani dance forms.

Once students are prepared, a stage show is arranged. Anjali Thakur, who has attended one of the workshops says, "I love this dance form which is simple but different and am looking forward to some more interesting programmes." During the 15-20 day workshop, students interact like one big happy family. "We have lots of fun while practicing and make lots of friends. It is a very refreshing experience," says one of the students Rashida. Navchetna is conducting a Rajasthani folk dance performance on July 6 at Tilak Smarak Mandir.