The Kalbeliyas (Kal.bel.e.ya) are an ethnic community of talented dancers, musicians, singers, and craft artisans living in Rajasthan, India.

Although the community is praised for its epic performances throughout India and the world, they are historically marginalized, facing barriers to living wages, access to resources, and inclusion.

Pre-COVID19, female Kalbeliya dancers earned an income as stage performers and dance teachers to international tourists and are lead earners responsible for their many extended family members.

During COVID19, all Kalbeliya artists were left without income, no government support programs, and further isolation, creating more threats to the already challenged community. The Kalbeliya dancers are artist-entrepreneurs and have pivoted many times before. It was a natural next step to jump online during the COVID lockdowns, however, there were barriers. 

Most of the dance teachers have only a smartphone, many do not have wifi and some do not have electricity. All of the dance teachers are without literacy. 

With great feats, they are online for the first time.