ISPAHAN Magazine 5

The Kalbeliya song and dance forms are a matter of pride for the community, a marker of their identity. They were on the margins of the society but they persisted with their cultural practices, innovated and carried them out with faith; and now they are recognized artists of a great talent and repute. The Kalbeliya songs and dances are transmitted from generation to generation by direct observation and participation from childhood. Their songs are a part of an oral tradition and no texts or training manuals exist HISTORY - Maya Sapera, Khatu Sapera and Kalbeliya Maya has invested many years spreading Indian dance styles in Belgium (Kalbeliya, Kathak, Bollywood ...). She has trained students and started up many projects (Al-Ghorba, IndiAra, Gori KaDance Orchestra Brass Band, Orchestra Gori KaDance AGNI). She was also invited as choreographer for various projects (a.o. Aiko, Flemish Opera Youth and Music, Journey of Jan Marmenout, the new project of Osama Abdulrasol, for TV, Burvenich ballet school in Antwerp, musicals, ...).

Observing and training others contributed to the development of Maya’s body awareness.

She felt like the time had come to create a project around herself, her own artistic and physical potential, which often came at the last place when she was working with other people. For this project, Maya chose to work with motivated artists who devote their lives to art. This project seeks to create a group performance of world class that transcends the individual performances of the artists.

In Europe, Maya can be considered a pioneer in Kalbeliya dance for two reasons. Not only was she the first European Kalbeliya dancer, but also she was the first to pass on her knowledge in her teaching of the Kalbeliya dance.

In fact, after a thorough analysis, she developed a didactic system to pass it on. Before, such a system did not exist. Rather, the Kalbeliya dance was part of an oral tradition, passed on from mother to daughter, at home or during festivals. Through extensive research and examination, Maya developed a special bond with this particular dance style through Khatu Sapera.

Khatu Sapera is belonging to the Kalbelia community, living in the Kalbelia neighborhood of Jodhpur (Rajasthan). It was on one of her tours through Europe with “Musafir” that she met Maya. Khatu stayed one week with Maya to exchange dance movements and ideas.

It was the beginning of a growing friendship. Khatu was amongst the first dancers to tour abroad with Kalbelia dance. She’s technically a very good dancer and she knows how to mesmerize her public. It was Khatu who made it possible for Maya to be introduced in this community. They shared house, food and stage together. It’s an honor for Maya to share the stage and create together with Khatu. >> ISPAHAN 39