Garba workshops are becoming increasingly popular in Bengaluru as Navratri festivities pick up momentum. Residents are eagerly participating in these workshops to refine their garba and dandiya skills in preparation for the upcoming celebrations. The city is bustling with excitement as individuals gear up to dress in vibrant attire and dance to the traditional beats. From local gatherings to large-scale events, Bengaluru is all set to showcase a display of culture and revelry this weekend.
The rise of social media has significantly contributed to the popularity of garba and dandiya by highlighting the fun and communal aspects of these activities, thereby encouraging more people to join in. Additionally, the growing interest in fitness has made garba, known for its cardiovascular benefits, more appealing to a wider audience, as noted by dance choreographer Amisha Jhawar.
Many participants find garba to be a therapeutic experience, drawn back each year by the joy, connection, and sense of community that it offers. The informal group setting, the use of props like dandiya sticks, and the diverse range of dance styles all contribute to the charm of these workshops, according to Amisha, who conducts dance sessions in the city.
Garba is known to be a beginner-friendly dance form, with a focus on mastering footwork as a crucial foundation. Once the footwork is established, participants can incorporate arm movements to fully enjoy the dance, as shared by dance instructor Sheena Chaudhary.
Sheena also highlights the infectious and exhilarating spirit of Navratri, noting that dandiya and garba are seasonal dances that people typically start practicing closer to the event to enhance their memory of the steps and enhance their performance. Both men and women participate, with the steps being gender-neutral to ensure inclusivity. Sheena simplifies the teaching process with choreography catering to all skill levels, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere during the workshops."Dance has the ability to unite people from different backgrounds," declares Bijal J Shah, a Zumba instructor. She fondly recalls how teaching dandiya and garba brought her students - not just Gujaratis - together in a harmonious display of energy and joy. Witnessing everyone dancing with equal enthusiasm regardless of age or skill level highlighted the unifying power of dance for her.
Sheena, who began teaching dandiya and garba classes early, emphasizes the natural workout aspect of these dances. Engaging in squats, arm stretches, and neck movements makes it a comprehensive full-body exercise. She stresses the importance of starting with a warm-up to prevent injuries, especially for beginners in today's sedentary lifestyle.
Brothers Nimesh and Mohit Chhag, who have been organizing dandiya and garba workshops for over 14 years, have noticed a rising demand for learning these traditional dance forms. They have expanded their workshop network to cater to the growing interest, introducing new styles, steps, and more classes to accommodate different schedules.
Mohit advocates for the three Ps - Patience, Practice, and Perfection in dance learning. By simplifying teachings, fostering a welcoming environment, and introducing garba and dandiya techniques, he aims to make the learning process enjoyable and accessible for all. He encourages beginners to remember that practice leads to perfection, enhancing comfort and mastery of the dance steps over time.Steps and beat. Observe and absorb: Study skilled dancers to grasp their technique and flair. Unwind and savor: Garba is all about joy! Focus on enjoying the music rather than striving for perfection. Garba decorum: When joining in the garba festivities, it is essential to treat others with respect. Steer clear of pushing or colliding with fellow dancers and be attentive to your surroundings. Dress code? Garba participants commonly don vibrant and lively outfits. Traditionally, women adorn themselves in cholis and ghagras intricately detailed with embroidery and embellishments. Men typically opt for kurtas and dhotis. Nonetheless, modern garba attire can vary greatly, showcasing an array of cultural influences and styles.
