Flamenco, refers to a variety of Spanish musical styles developed as early as the 19th century. In November 2010, UNESCO declared it as one of the ‘Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’. It has become extremely popular all over the world, especially in the United States and what we see today is a fusion form and the American take of the same. Flamenco is often accompanied by a guitar, a palo seco (dry stick) and a dancer performing a series of choreographed dance steps and improvised styles. The dancer is the protagonist of the singer’s narrative and its interpreter. Flamenco dancing is a very emotional [...]

Music and Style Garba is a dance form originated in Gujarat, also known as ‘Garbha Deep’, which means ‘womb’ and ‘earthen lamps’. It is a joyful style of dance, based on a circular pattern and characterized by a sweeping action from side to side. Garba performances often include singing and a musical accompaniment provided by Dhol, Dholak, hand claaping and assorted idiophones, such as cymbals. History and Essence Garba dance celebrates fertility, honour woman hood and pay respect to an array of mother goddesses. It was traditionally performed around Garbha Deep, representing life just as fetus in the mother’s womb. The dance form worships the divinity and power [...]

If a picture speaks a thousand words, I wonder what these pictures communicate. it's the same person in two pictures. And yet, each conjures up a different image. One in a wedding outfit and the other in a belly dance costume and yet when I dress in each of them I have two uniquely different experiences. One on the inside which reveals a different part of my personality and one experience on the outside.... And what I receive from the outside is something that baffles me and pushes me to think. Questioning eye brows raise with judgement in one situation and the same pair of eyes show no [...]