RAIBENSE DANCE

The Raibense dance of Birbhium district is a traditional system with a martial motif. Dance is a series of vigorous physical exercises, in which the erect torso has a Raibense are trained for long periods before letting them practice it alone. The dance requires strict codes and discipline to be followed to become a successful Raibense dancers important part to play. The dancers begin in a single file and then make a circle. Hops, jumps and circles are characteristic. Skills with the shield and the spear and the trishul are common. Sophisticated moves with these weapons are also performed simultaneously. A percussion instrument accompanies the dance.
Sarbhuj, a contemporary dance theater reviving this dance form and porting it to the urban middleclass theatre.