The dance steps are said to be inspired by the movements seen in nature, such as the swaying of trees and the flight of birds. Meanwhile, the female performers dance and weave in between the bamboos to the rhythm. The male performers, who are in pairs, hold two bamboo staves and clap them against each other and on the floor rhythmically. Two bamboo staves are placed horizontally on the ground.

The Cheraw performers usually dance in groups of six to eight, though the numbers can vary. The festival is held in March every year, during the period when bamboo trees are cut and left to dry so that they can be burnt to clear the fields for agricultural purposes. Now, however, the dance is performed on various festive occasions such as the Chapchar Kut, a spring-time festival. Earlier, it was performed as part of rituals to provide peace to the departed soul of a mother who had left her new-born child. The dance is believed to have existed since the 1st century C.E. The dancers steps in and out to the beats of the bamboos whilst moving their arms in a swinging motion choreographed aesthetically with ease and grace.By Mansee Jain Illustration: Manseee JainĬheraw or the ‘Bamboo Dance’ is part of the great traditions of Mizoram, characterised by the use of bamboo staves to set the rhythm for the dancers. It indicates the timing of the dance as well. The bamboos, when clapped, produce a sound which forms the rhythm of the dance. The bamboos, placed horizontally, are supported by two bases, one at each end. The dancers move by stepping alternatively in and out from between and across a pair of horizontal bamboos, held against the ground by people sitting face to face on either side.

The females who have a perfect sense of timing, dance gracefully by stepping in and out of the crossed and horizontally laid bamboo staves.

There is no denying the fact that Cheraw Dance is surely a most enchanting form of Mizoram culture.Aptly supported by two bases, the bamboos are clapped together on a particular beat by the male dancers. While some expressions of Cheraw Dance resemble the swaying of trees some others indicate the flying of birds as well as the harvesting of ripe paddy.

More often than not the various movements made by the Cheraw dancers are inspired by the nature.

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