| The Raibense Dance
The Raibense dance of Birbhium district is a traditional
system with a martial motif. The dancers rhythmically flourish staves
as they execute vigorous steps. These dances have their strict codes and
disciplines unlike the crude and vulgar exhibitionism of the Domnis whose
vogue has dimnished greatly. The dances of the Raibenshes of Burdwan and
Birbhum seem to be the last surviving vestiges of war-like traditions.
The technique of the dances is so vigorous that there has been a new interest
in teaching these dances to educated boys and girls of urban centres specially
by the Bratachari organisation. Dance is a series of vigorous physical
exercises, in which the erect torso has an important part to
play. The dancers begin in a single file and then make a circle. Hops,
jumps and circles are characteristic. Skills with the shield and the spear
and the trishul are common. A percussion instrument accompanies the dance.
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