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Cheraw Dance
 Also known as "Bamboo Dance", for bamboos is used in this dance. The dancer moves by stepping alternatively in and out from between and across a pair of flat bamboos, held against the ground by people sitting face to face at either side. They tap the bamboos, open and close in rhythmic beats. The bamboos placed horizontally, are supported by two bases, one at each end.
The bamboos, when clapped, produce a sharp sound which forms the rhythm of the dance. It indicates the timing fo the dance as well. The dancer steps in and out to the beats of the bamboos with and grace. The patterns and
steppings of the dance have many variations. Sometimes the steppings are made in imitation of the movements of birds, sometimes the swaying of trees, and so on.
Cheraw' is usually performed on the occasion of 'Buhza Aih' (bumper harvest by an individual family). It is not a community dance but a dance performed by a few selected girls with outstanding skills. It is performed in marriage ceremonies and on the merry-makings to celebrate success. On such occasions huge crowds gather to watch the proud performance of 'Cheraw' dance by the few skillful dancers. It is also performed on moonlit nights. 'Cheraw' is the most popular and colorful dance of the Mizos.
Men sitting face to face on the ground tap long pairs of horizontal and cross bamboo staves open and close in musical beats. Girls in colorful Mizo costumes of 'Punchei', 'Kawrchei'.
Vakiria' and 'Yhihna' dance in and out among the beats of bamboo. This dance is now performed in almost all festive occasions. The sole style of the 'Cheraw' is a great fascination all over it is performed. Gongs and drums are used to escort the dance.
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