As a people, Gypsies are non-conformists and rebels of conventionalism. Foreigners wherever they go and the target of persecution for hundreds of years. This negative has, on the other hand, created a strength of character and togetherness few can compare. The full spectrum of human emotions is expressed daily in the dramatic life of Gypsies.
Gypsies migrated from India about the 10th century a.d. throughout the world for reasons, I would assume, being able to maintain their independence from governments and cultures who dictate their destiny. Freedom from tyranny is the essence of the Gypsy soul.
The soul of Gypsies touches us all. We all have one living within us-a fantasy awaiting expression. In non-Gypsy cultures, this fantasy is open to interpretation. The name "Gypsy" is widely used to express the wildest and most perverse feelings. It is probably the most misused term in western cultures. "Gypsy" has become a metaphor for humanity's struggle for expression of passion; but there's a large cultural gap between gypsy and non-gypsies. The root of Gypsy culture is India ; and in almost every country where Gypsies live, the morals and traditions can be traced to India where interpretations of personal freedoms are different. The characterization of "free as a gypsy" in western terms, is expressed through nudity, sexuality, etc.reflecting their personal interpretations. This does not exist in the Banjara Gypsy dance form. On the other hand, these emotions are communicated by an intricate body language, facial expressions and hand gestures. It's a dance which transcends nudity and vanity. It reflects the inner most passions of the soul.
For some, the purpose is entertainment and for others, it's a way of sharing the emotional struggles of life. And it's always the celebration of life through dance. It's that communication that makes the dance special-- being able to maintain sense of self in a world of chaos.
Dance freedom comes from strength of the spirit and understanding humanity. The only boundaries it has are the limitations we place on ourselves. The beauty of of the dance is that, traditionally, everything is in the moment. It has no cultural boundaries and is not necessarily inspired by music but by intricate rhythmic patterns derived from the north Indian classical Kathak dance, which enables one to improvise beyond belief. These rhythmic patterns are passed down from generation to generation. You might say it's a free-form of Kathak dance (classical N. Indian dance form).The rhythms are interpreted throughout the body whether through the use percussion instruments such as duffali (tambourine), kartal (wooden castanets), ghungaroos (dancing bells) and blending them into the dance movement. The whole body becomes a vehicle of rhythmic expression. Expression of rhythm, frees the spirit allowing one to experience and expanded awareness.
When you witness Gypsy dance, you will be moved by the overwhelming depth of expression drawn from real life experiences. The strong presence of Gypsies reflects their flexibility to adapt to the changing world. Here, attention to line and form are not the emphasis but rather ability to draw from ones soul and communicate passion.
One of the most common dances performed in India today is the Cobra Dance. Performed at fairs and festivals throughout India, the dancer both reflects the snake charmer and the cobra expressing the sensuous gyrations of the union between the cobra and snake charmer.
Duffali Dance - The duffali or (tambourine) is used and a percussive instrument together with ghungaroos (ankle bells) to express explosive rhythmic patterns and graceful body movements generating a lot of excitement and stimulation of the senses with fast spinning turns. Improvisation is at it's best here.
Wedding Dances are held through India and Europe. Gypsies are usually hired as the entertainment. There are various songs and dances depicting the presentation of the bride's' ornaments and how she wears them one by one.
Gypsies are also called upon to perform for funerals and memorials where the dancer takes on the physical characteristics of the dead and acts as a medium of communication.