Alkap dance is popular among the Bengalis. Earlier this dance form belonged to a few districts in West Bengal. But with time, the Alkap folk dance form has gained popularity in Jharkhand and Bihar as well.
This folk dance is a great source of recreation for the public and is a vital part of several festivities. Alkap dance form is practically extinct today. However, there was a time when this dance form was recognised by notable poets, writers, and novelists.
Purpose of the Dance
Alkap is a way to entertain the rural folks by portraying mythological stories, instances of social injustice, and multiple other interesting topics. In ancient days the Alkap dance was done to mimic the kings and landlords. The dressing up of young men as women and the sexual intonations were this dance’s attractive elements. Over time the dance form has undergone several modifications to suit the taste of the audience.
Alkap Dance Performance
It is a creative blend of dance, drama, and music. Alkap is similar to Jatra, which is a form of theatre in the rural areas. It is a musical drama where a group performs dance and sings songs with dialogues. Both men and women can perform Alkap. A group of 10 to 12 people together perform the Alkap dance.
There are five parts of this performance. The first part is known as Asar Vandana. It is a prayer song, done before commencing the dance. Next is Chhora, where some young boys of the group recite out poems related to the dance act. Kaap is the third stage in which some verses are sung, and the dance is performed. Following this is Baithaki Gaan, which is again a musical show. Last is the Khemta Pala where the group depicts a story in the form of dance and songs.
Alkap Dance Group
The group has a leader addressed as sarkar or guru. Then there are few young men called the Chhokras. Two or three in the group are singers known as gayens. Musicians and dancers are also part of the group. All of them together make the Alkap performance a success.
Dance Costume
There is no traditional attire needed for performing Alkap dance. Men dress up in dhotis or pants with a matching shirt. They tie a cloth piece around their heads. The young men portray various roles in the dance and dress accordingly. The women can be seen in their traditional sarees with some light makeup.
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