We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katrina Ji. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katrina below.
Katrina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Snake – charmers, devotional singing, unusual instruments & ancient love songs…
Rajasthani Caravan is a group of indigenous folk artists from Rajasthan, India.
The group is curated by Katrina Ji, a member of the International Dance Council, CID – UNESCO and on the 4Culture Touring Artists Roster.
It is a rare treat to see folk artists in America as they live in huts deep within the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India.
This is their 3rd USA Tour & 10 Year Anniversary
We will be traveling from East Coast to West Coast
September 1st – November 3rd 2024
“Best part of the Drive East Festival was Rajasthani Caravan” – New York Times
I’m happy to advocate for folk artists while preserving their culture and sharing the cultural heritage with the USA.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Prior to teaching and performing Rajasthani dance, I was fully immersed in FCBD(R) Style Bellydance since 1999. This particular style of bellydance is rooted in the dances of the Romany trail. That’s what inspired me to dig deeper and learn more about Rajasthani dance. My teachers told us to study the documentaries and books about the Romany Trail. Why doing that, I came across the film Latcho Drom and the rest is history!
It took nearly a decade for me to finally connect with the Rajasthani Folk Artists. I first met my Guru Queen Harish in 2009. (RIP). He was on his USA Tour and that’s when my journey really started. I’ve modeled my dance, persona, costumes and everything from what he did. Because of this, I was invited to perform in his absence in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India after his tragic death.
In 2012, I went to his city and that is where I met the other folk artists. I even met the dancer Suva Devi who I had seen dancing in Latcho Drom! Two years later, we hit the road for the first Rajasthani Caravan USA Tour in 2014. I loved it so much, I did it again in 2017 with Ustad Arab Music Group.
Now I am in the process of booking our 3rd USA Tour and also our 10 Year Anniversary with a new cast of characters. This time I will be bringing Ashraf Khan’s Group. I was lucky to perform with these artists while I was performing at Desert Springs Resort 2019-2020 Season. Ashraf Khan is joined by his brother Rajak Khan, Jasu Khan and Pooja Sapera, Kalbelia Dancer. I am beyond excited to be supporting the new generation of up and coming artists!
Since starting this project, I have learned and mastered all of the Rajasthani Folk Dances: Bhawai, Terah Taal, Kalbelia, Chari Dance, Ghoomar, Wheel Dance, Katchi Gori and more! Which led me to becoming a member of the International Dance Council, CID – UNESCO. I just finished teaching my first ever certification program in Rajasthani Dance. The International Dance Council, CID – UNESCO issued the certification for my students on my behalf.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
We need everyone’s support on our 2024 USA Tour. If anyone can donate to our fundraiser, help us schedule bookings at universities, cultural or indian organizations, it will help these artists a lot. Money is the key. It’s the best way to support all artists. The folk arts in Rajasthan are endangered as artists used to make a living. Their craft is passed from father to son and so forth. However, now many artists have been forced to take “normal” jobs such as drivers, hotel staff, restaurant staff etc. We need to sustain the arts so they will not go away.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I had no idea it was possible to make a living as an artist. I was a thriving artist prior to lockdown. I raised my son as a single parent on an artists income. It wasn’t easy. But now I know I’m living proof that YOU CAN DO IT! Many artists think they have to bend on their pricing or charge a lower fee because they are new to the industry. All that does is hurt us all. I’ve always held the bar high and will only accept fair pay. When someone hires me or my group, we give it our all. So it’s a wonderful experience for all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.KatrinaJi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinajicultureshakti
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/cultureshakti
- Youtube: https://www.YouTube.com/katrinajicultureshakti
- Other: https://www.RajasthaniCaravan.com
Image Credits
The Dancer’s Eye