The Cheraw Dance is a traditional art form of Mizoram in India. It is characterized by the use of Bamboo Staves to set the rhythm for the dancers, which is believed to have existed since the 1st Century CE. About six to eight people, holding pairs of Bamboo Staves on another horizontally placed bamboo on the ground perform this dance form.
Both male and female dancers perform Cheraw dance. Male dancers move the Bamboo Staves kept in cross and horizontal forms on the ground, in rhythmic beats. The female dancers perform by stepping in and out of the Bamboo blocks. Cheraw dance is now an integral part of every festival in Mizoram.
The Cheraw Dance is also known as Bamboo Dance. Similar dance forms are found in the Far East and Philippines. In 2010, a Guinness World Record was made when a large number of Cheraw Dancers took part in the performance together at a time. The movement of the dancers resemble swaying of trees, inspired by the nature. The women dancers wear Vakira (headress made of bamboo decorated with feather), Kawrchei (coloured blouse), Puanchei (coloured Sarong). The men wear Khumbew (Bamboo Bat) and Mizo Shawl.
