GOAN DANCES BY ROMMEL FERNANDES

The traditional dances of Goa picturize the mindset and lifestyle of Goans. They reflect the rich historical and cultural legacy of Goa. Goa has a unique amalgamation of different cultures and the Goan dances portray this blend of different faiths very beautifully. Some of the well known traditional dances are: Dekhni Dekhni, a blend of Indian melody set to Western music is a very popular solo song cum dance. It is about a request and the resulting dialogue between a girl and a boatman as the girl wants to go across a river. She persuades him to take her there so she can honor her commitment to sing at a wedding and also offers her ornaments in return as she is in a hurry. The dancer usually carries a small clay oil lamp and performs to a folk drum. Fugdi Fugdi is performed by women on important social and religious occasions. It is an indoor dance that derives its name from the 'Foo Foo' sound made by the dancers by blowing air into a pot they hold as they spring rhythmically. No musical instruments are used. Dhalo Dhalo is a dance loved by women dwelling in rural Goa. In this dance form, young girls and women form a semi circle by joining their hands behind each others waists. They then sway in coordinated movements to beats of rural musical instruments and music. Ghode Modni This dance commemorates the victory over the Portuguese by the Ranes (Maratha rulers of ancient times). The dancer dressed in colorful attire, dances rhythmically. Kunbi Kunbi dance originated with the earliest settlers of Goa known as the Kunbis. The dance has more of a social element in it rather than a religious feeling. The dance is performed by women who dance very elegantly at a fast pace. Their traditional attire adds color to this dance form. Mando Mando is a group song popular with Goan Catholics which has boys and girls standing in two semicircular lines and singing in a chorus. The theme of the songs sung are mostly frustration and deception in love. Mando songs are usually sung at wedding celebrations in honor of the bridal couple.

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