Developed by a tribal community called “Kamar” belonging to central India is a dance form known as Tertali. This “tribal dance” is said to have originated in the state Madhya Pradesh. This style of dancing involves the use of musical instruments such as the manjiras and small metal cymbals that are tied to the body of the performer. In addition, the performers (mainly female) use a veil to cover the head. Furthermore, sometimes the performer may also be seen clenching a sword in the mouth.
a. History of the Tertali:
Considered to be the “oldest” dance form in the state of Madhya Pradesh, it was first said to have been developed by a tribal community called “Kamar”. In addition, this dance was basically created by this tribal community as a form of a ritual.
b. Costumes used in the Tertali:
The costumes used in this dance form include a colourful ghagra and choli, a colourful veil, and beautiful ornaments adorning the neck, head, and hand respectively.
c. Music involved in the Tertali:
The musical instruments used in this dance form include manjiras, and small cymbals that are tied to the costume of the performer. In addition, musicians (mainly male) use instruments such as drums and cymbals to produce music.
d. Training availability and the technique involved in the Tertali:
In this dance form, the dancers (i.e. a group of two to three females) usually arrange themselves on the ground. In addition, the performers strike the manjiras and cymbals attached to their body to generate the musical rhythm and dance. Furthermore, while dancing the performer also balances a metallic pot on the head. At times a performer may also be seen possessing a sword clenched in the mouth. As for training centres/schools, there are none available neither in the state nor in the country since, this dance style essentially belongs to a tribal community, which has been passed on from one generation to another.