Bhangra
Gidda
Bhangra
An energetic, all male, harvest dance instantly recognizable
by the traditional headdress and the vigorous arm movements. The festival
of Baisakhi, family occasions and get-togethers are
occasion for a Bhangra performance. This dance however is never
performed for religious purposes.
Colorful clothes comprised of the flowing turbans, chadra
(covering for the lower body) and long kurtas (shirts)
and waistcoats make this a very attractive dance to watch. The dhol
drum provides accompaniment to the movements and the light-hearted
satire of the Boliyan. Boliyan is the traditional as well as
impromptu comments sung in verse that are the heart of Bhangra.
Many believe that the Bhangra dancer needs an inborn sense
of rhythm; it cannot be acquired. 
Gidda
Gentler than the Bhangra, the Gidda is
danced by women and young girls on family and festive occasions. The
girls and women form a circle, with one of their number in the center.
The tradition of Boliyan (light-hearted satirical verse) is
observed here as well, and is as much a part of the dance as are the
colorful regional dresses. The dholki drum provides music and
often singers keep music by tapping spoons on the body of the drum.
