Dance constitutes an integral part of Maharashtrian culture. Various folk and regional dances are performed during festivals and on special occasions. The important dances performed in Pune are mentioned in the coming paragraphs.
LavniThe name of the dance is derived from the word “Lavanya” which means beauty. It is a traditional dance which is performed to the enchanting beats of Dholak - a drum like musical instrument. Women dressed with attractive nine-yard saris and ornaments perform the dance on the vivacious beats of the traditional music. During the Maratha Period, this dance was used to entertain the tired soldiers. The dance has been popularized by poets like Honaji Bala, Ramjoshi and Prabhakar.
TamashaThe word has been derived from the Persian word ‘Tamasha’ which means entertainment. It is one of the most important folk dances of Maharashtra. The dance is believed to have originated in the 16th century. Communities like Kolhati and Mahar are well associated with this dance. Instruments like Dholki drum, 'Tuntuni' (a single string instrument), 'Manjeera' cymbals, 'Daf' (a tambourine-like instrument with a single leather surface), 'Halgi' (smaller Daf), Harmonium and 'Ghunghroos' (ankle bells) are used to make the atmosphere more vibrant.
KoliKoli is a popular dance that derives its name from the fishermen community - Kolis. The dance is performed by both men and women of the community. On special occasions people gather at a common-place and portray the movement of the rowing of a boat and also casting of nets to catch the fish. The dance is based on their occupation and it provides pleasure and entertainment to them.
Other Dances
Other popular dances of the state include Dhangari Gaja, Povadas, Dindi and Kala. These dances portray their rich culture.
Dance and Music Schools Dance Track Pune (Mangesh Lele)
F C Road Deccan Gymkhana
Pune-411004
Phone: 9822208868 / 9423210351
Silveira's Guitar Academy
A-1 323 Aashiyana Park
Koregaon Park Pune-411001
Phone: 020-26816347, 9822955416
The English Personality Finishing School
Office no.5, 1st Floor,
Sagar Arcade, FC Road,
Pune - 411004
Phone: 020-56274547, 25534407 9890879033
Sargam Sangeet Vidyalaya
45 Raghunandan Mayur Colony
Karve Rd Kothrud B/H Ambar Hall
Pune-411029
Phone: 020-25439764
Kalaniketan Dance Institute
'Atushataj' plot 113
Anand Park, Aundh
Pune, Maharashtra
Phone : 020-25883248
Aliens Dance Club
198/2 Basement Shankar Parvati Chbr
Dhole Patil Road
Pune-411001
Phone: 020-24014565
Baile Facion
231 Akshay Complex
Dhole Patil Road
Pune-411001
Phone: 020-26114150
Bharat Natya Sanshodhan Mandir
1320 Near Perugate Police Chowki
Sadashiv Peth Pune-411030
Phone: 020-24471614
Bindu Shah
4 Dipika Apts Dr Ambedkar Road
Opp Nehru Memorial Hall Camp
Pune-411001
Phone: 020-26136218
Dance Academy
Aundh Pune-411007
Phone: 020-25397392
To explore more about Pune,
click here