Ayla Joncheere was only 12 when her tryst with Indian dance forms began at a dance class in her hometown of Ghent in Belgium. The beats, rhythm and energy of the dance intrigued her. She pursued her higher education in Indian languages and cultures and travelled to India to conduct her postdoctoral research on the nomadic Kalbeliya community of Rajasthan. The four-year research on its musicians, mystics, herbalists and their gypsy or sapera dance resulted in a lifelong association.

When the pandemic struck the Kalbeliya community, especially its sole-breadwinning women, Joncheere alongside LA-based Aakansha Maheshwari and Christina Gomes decided to bring the talent of these performers online through 'Kalbeliya World.'

"Kalbeliya dance has emancipated these women to assume the role of providers. These highly-skilled performers over the years have created a global student base; many students solely travel to India to train under them," shares Joncheere. Through Kalbeliya World, 11 such teachers are collaborating with international Kalbeliya practitioners and conducting online dance classes for a global audience.