The 5-Point Rajasthani Folk Dance Planning Guide You Need To Get Some Classic Twirls

Padharo ji! Dream of wowing your guests with women whirling in dainty Ghoomar or swaying at whirl speeds for the Kalbeliya, balancing pots (some even full of fire) a la Chari and Bhavai? Instead of learning the complex dance forms yourself for a swoon-worthy Sangeet, hire professionals for the act instead. Here's how you can get the Rajwada or royal feel for your wedding, with a Rajasthani folk dance act!

Get it Right - Organising A Rajasthani Folk Dance

A Rajasthani folk dance helps you add a rustic, earthy element to your wedding festivities. If it's a destination wedding, held in a palace or fort in the desert state, then it's almost an expected event for all of your wedding guests.

This could be a welcome dance with which you welcome all of loved ones and guests, a highlight for the Mehndi or Sangeet evening, entertainment on the sidelines of a ritual-laden ceremony (like the Haldi ceremony for #SujayKiAdi) or an aside on a dull day.

Here are the things you need to keep in mind when you organise one during your wedding festivities:

1. Chalk it in detail

As your wedding planner would tell you, a good event is all about how meticulously you plan for it. That includes the Rajasthani folk dance you intend to hold as part of your wedding festivities.

Begin with a clear answer to these questions:

• What kind of dance performance do you have in mind?
• How many people do you want to perform?
• When do you want to hold this dance performance? (Day event, night event, which ceremony)
• What's the budget for your event?
• Do you want a local group of performers? Do you want to fly in an authentic troupe of Rajasthani folk dance artistes?

2. Research and locate the right group

Start your search for the right wedding entertainers with the answers that you have closed on for the above five questions. If it's a set of women who can expertly twirl in the Ghoomar, to offset against your own musical wedding entry, then that's your starting point. If you're looking for Kalbeliya performers who can deftly manoeuvre their bodies into complex acrobatics, then that's where you begin.

One great idea would be to search for a group near your wedding venue, especially if it's at a great destination wedding location like Udaipur. This brings an authentic flavour to your choice and makes sense with your budget. You can save tremendously on the costs of bringing a group to your wedding venue.

3. Confirm on your performers

Now that you know what you want, it's time to shortlist an act that meets those specifications. Either enlist your wedding planner or locate a wedding entertainer yourself (search for a Rajasthani folk dance troupe). Check for reviews for the troupes you shortlist and come up with the ones that fit the bill.

Next, see if they're available to perform at your venue, on the chosen date. If yes, book them in advance and confirm once before the event.

3. Technical additions

A good dance performance is supported by the right setup - a good dance floor, dance props, music setup and lights. Ask your chosen Rajasthani folk music troupe about what they would require for their act.

Next, talk to your wedding venue and organise the details straight up. Then, look for specific needs, for example, a Bhavai group may require enough ignition to fuel a fire for the whirling fire routine.

4. Get your guests to join in

Get your wedding guests to join in with the festive spirit, by matching steps with your chosen group of wedding entertainers. Ask the ladies to join in with a Ghoomar dance or get the men to thump to beats with a Gair performance.

You may even hold an impromptu dance-off contest with the group and hand the winners specific Rajasthani tokens.

5. Tip handsomely

Apart from the fee they charge, most wedding entertainers expect a token of appreciation or a tip. This would be over and above your expected wedding expenses, so keep some spare cash for it.

If, however, you do not want your guests to tip the chosen Rajasthani folk dance troupe, spread the word in advance. You can also let the group leader know that you would settle with them separately and not to approach your guests for tips as well.

Now that you're practically aware of planning a Rajasthani folk dance for your wedding, consider choosing the kind of Rajasthani dance you would want for your special set of days.

Get in touch with some of our wedding performers here.