The Kalbelia

I am absolutely captivated by this woman's blackness...the pure creamy smoothness of her skin.

While oceans away I exalt in her skin tone I know she lives in a country that grapples with colorism, classism, and racism. I feel at this point any country that's been touched by colonialism, or lofty antiquated ideas about aristocracy still struggle with colorism and prejudice (aka self hate). They're selling bleaching cream across this globe and it's heartbreaking...

This ethnic group is known as the Kalbeliya, or Kalbelia. The women dance and weave their bodies to traditional rhythms, that are considered one of the most sensual dances of the region.
 

(Single woman) Picture from Rajasthan, India. A Kalbelia dancer from the Pushkar Fair, Photo thanks to Anthony Pappone.