Giddha is a renowned Indian folk dance that is supposed to have been created using the “Ring dance” as a template. This “North Indian” dance form is said to have originated from the state of Punjab. It is also a dance form (similar to the Bhangra) that is popular in Pakistan since the state of Punjab was partitioned post-independence. Furthermore, Giddha is renowned for its “elegance and flexibility”. In addition, it is also known to possess a certain “feminine grace” which makes it extremely pleasing to the eye.
a. History/origin of Giddha dance:
According to a historical fact, this dance form i.e. Giddha was created to provide Punjabi women with the opportunity to express their suppressed feelings especially in a society that is essentially male oriented.
b. Costumes used in the Giddha dance:
This dance form is performed mainly by women, and the costume worn usually includes a colourful traditional Punjabi salwar kameez or lehanga i.e. a type of female trouser.
c. Music used in the Giddha dance:
The music used during a performance usually entails slogans locally known as “bolis” sung by the women. These bolis are usually based around varied themes such as atrocities committed by families on women, love, and loneliness faced by brides on account of either loss or separation from the groom. The only musical instrument used to produce music for this dance form, is the dholak i.e. a type of a drum.
d. Training availability and dance technique involved in Giddha dance
In terms of the technique, this dance form involves women moving in a circle while dancing, raising their arms to level of the shoulders, and clapping simultaneously. Furthermore, it is this clapping that generates the rhythm for this dance. As for training, there are a number of training schools/centres found throughout the country that provides the basics of this dance form which is essentially “feminine” in nature.