India

PHULPATI DANCE- MADHYA PRADESH

The Phulpati dance from Madhya Pradesh in central India is performed mainly by unmarried women during the colourful festival of ‘Holi’. This ‘folk dance’ is extremely popular mainly in the Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh, India. In addition, this style of dancing involves the use of extremely colourful costumes and beautiful ornaments. Furthermore, the basic concept behind the creation of this dance form is, to give ‘unmarried women’ an opportunity to celebrate the auspicious festival of ‘Holi’ with great fanfare.

a. History/origin of the Phulpati Dance:

This dance form essentially was created to specifically give “unmarried women” in the Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh, an opportunity to celebrate the festival of Holi with great fanfare.

b. Costume used in the Phulpati Dance:

The costumes used in this dance form similar to several others performed in the state of Madhya Pradesh include colourful attires and beautiful jewellery.

c. Music involved in the Phulpati Dance:

The musical instrument mainly used in this dance form is the dhol i.e. a type of drum.

d. Training availability and the dance technique of the Phulpati Dance:

In terms of the technique, this dance form requires the performer to move in synch with the energetic beats produced by the dhol. Furthermore, there are no training schools/centres available for this dance style since, it has basically been passed on from one generation to another within the community belonging to the Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh.

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