Banjara

Since Richard got me started on this whole Desi theme, I started to go through some videos I used to watch a while ago whenever I was feeling down.

These two videos still make me wanna to dance on the roof of my neighbour’s house and ride stolen horses until dawn peaks.

Now, these people (Banjaras) are Desi (meaning literaly “of the country” and used when refering to someone who is living in or whose origins are from South Asia) but they are also Nomads. It seems they have the same origins as the Romani people of Europe. The difference is that they stayed closer to home.

This first video is from Tony Gatlif’s movie Latcho Drom. It is a beautiful movie, worth watching if you haven’t by now, and actually the most beautiful compilation of traditional Romani music and dancing I have seen.

This second video I like more than the first one. It is a bit rough, not rehearsed much and certainly not directed. It looks more like jammin’ in the hood on a Saturday afternoon. They’re having so much fun! 

 

By the way, this style of dancing looks easy but I assure you it’s very hard! I’ve hurt my back and my ankle trying to spin like they do. So don’t try it at home by yourself! Or at least warm up for a whole hour beforehand.