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Folk Dance
Folk-dances of the Punjab virtually hold a mirror to the characteristic
Punjabi manliness, fortitude, forthrightness and gaiety. The dances are
down-to-earth and devoid of all superficiality or sophistication.
Folk-dances are not bound by any rigid rule. They are
an expression of emotions through physical movements. The dancer is free
to synchronise any emotion with a gesture that he finds appropriate. The
folk dancer does not need any special dress or make-up. The dancers are
basically so simple that virtually no preparation is required for them.
The folk-dances are secular in character. Members of
different sects and creeds, irrespective of their faiths, get together
and dance. The main object of the dances are fun and entertainment. The
musical instrument dhol (drum) is an essential in the folk-dances.
The men and women do not dance together. They form
separate groups. Folk dances are generally not the same for men and women
but some dances are common to both. Bhangra is the men's dance and
Giddha is the women's dance. Bhangra and Giddha are the most popular folk-dances
of the Punjab. |
