Ranchi, May 21: Ask Guru Shyama Charan Pati about chhau dance and he can talk about it for hours. Not surprising for a man who has spent all his life performing this dance form.

Pati’s deep involvement with chhau dance has been infectious. A 10-day workshop on Seraikela’s tribal dance form saw many wannabe dancers from the city queuing up for lessons from “guruji”.

More than 35 young boys and girls have enroled on the short course. Harendra Prasad Sinha, assistant director (cultural activities), said: “We never expected such an overwhelming response. It feels good to know that youngsters are interested in this ancient dance. Till now, 35 youngsters have enrolled on the course. Of them, there are five girls. I am happy that even girls are taking interest in chhau dance.

“But what worries me is that the dance is losing ground. Nowadays, youths are more into western dance. But there is a ray of hope in the form of theatre. Many dramatists are using chhau in their plays. We are also in regular touch with the National School of Drama. So all is not lost and we can say that there is still some hope for this dying art form,” Sinha said.

Pati, however, feels that chhau dance would soon regain its lost glory. “I am not too worried about the the invasion of western culture and the changing trends in our society. These things are a temporary fad,” he said.

On the history of chhau dance, Pati said: “Chhau originated about 250 years ago. In the ancient days, the kings’ security guards used to be called paikos. They used to live in cantonments or chavnis. The paikos used to entertain themselves by dancing. The style was similar to a war dance. This dance came to be known as chhau. Like the paikos, who used to wear masks while fighting enemies, the chhau dancers too wear colourful headgears.”

“Formerly girls were not allowed to perform the chhau. But now times have changed and they too are learning the dance. Art exponents from western countries have also recognised chhau dance. I have performed in several countries across the world... I can proudly say that the chhau dance was appreciated,” he said.

Awadhesh Kumar, a student of Ramkrishna Mission said: “I am impressed with guruji. I want to be like him. Our ancient culture is so rich. ”

Rishikesk Kanskar, a drama student, said: “I want to learn all the dance forms of India. Learning from guruji has been a pleasurable experience. I would like to join his troupe.”