Ayla Joncheere is a scholar and cultural entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience in India and a deep expertise in the performing arts of Rajasthan. Following a long academic career in higher education, she founded Kalbeliya World, an initiative supporting digital literacy among Kalbeliya dancers in India through virtual dance classes. She also serves as the creative director of Maghenta, a platform for Indian-inspired arts. Drawing on her extensive on-the-ground experience, Ayla regularly provides consultancy on intercultural communication with Indian companies, Hindi language education and translation, and practical guidance for filmmakers, NGOs, students, and professionals working or relocating to India.

In this episode you will learn about:

- How Ayla became interested in Kalbeliya dance, decided to quit school at the age of 16, and traveled to India

- The use of the term “gypsies” within the Kalbeliya community

- Analyzing the famous movie Latcho Drom

- The role of costume and jewelry in Kalbeliya dance

- How the recent popularity of the dance has changed gender dynamics within the community

Show Notes to this episode:

Find Ayla Joncheere on Instagram, and Facebook, her website on Maghenta project. Articles by Aya:

Kalbeliya Dance from Rajasthan: Invented Gypsy Form or Traditional Snake Charmers' Folk Dance?

Representing Rajasthani roots: Indian Gypsy identity and origins in documentary films

Intangible inventions: The Kalbeliya Gypsy dance form, from its creation to UNESCO recognition

Watch Latcho Drom movie on YouTube.

Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.

Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast