People in Bengaluru embrace learning garba and dandiya for this Navratri.
Garba workshops are gaining prominence Navratri is in full swing, and Bengalureans are participating in workshops to hone their garba and dandiya skills and get ready to join the festivities. The city...
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Garba workshops are becoming increasingly popular as Navratri celebrations are in full swing. Residents of Bengaluru are participating in these workshops to improve their garba and dandiya skills in preparation for the upcoming festivities. The city is buzzing with excitement as people gear up to dress in colorful attire and dance to the traditional beats. From community gatherings to larger events, Bengaluru is poised to witness a rich display of culture and celebration this weekend.

Amisha Jhawar, a dance choreographer, notes that social media has played a significant role in popularizing garba and dandiya by highlighting the fun and community aspect of these activities, thereby encouraging more participation. She also mentions the increasing interest in fitness, which has made garba, a form of cardio, more appealing to a wider audience.

Many participants find garba to be a therapeutic experience, drawn to the joy, connections, and sense of community it provides. The informal group setting, the use of props like dandiya sticks, and the variety of dance styles all contribute to the appeal of these workshops hosted by Amisha in the city.

Being a beginner-friendly dance, garba emphasizes mastering footwork first for a seamless performance. Once footwork is established, participants can incorporate arm movements and fully enjoy the dance. This advice comes from Sheena Chaudhary, a dance instructor in the city.

Sheena adds that the infectious and exhilarating spirit of Navratri motivates people to start practicing dandiya and garba closer to the event to enhance their performance or simply embrace the festival's spirit. Both men and women participate, with more women typically taking part. Most dance steps are gender-neutral, making everyone feel comfortable. To accommodate various skill levels, Sheena simplifies the steps with some choreography during the workshops, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere."Dance has a unifying power that transcends communities," emphasizes Bijal J Shah, a Zumba instructor. She recalls a heartwarming moment during her dandiya and garba classes where students from various backgrounds danced together with boundless energy and enthusiasm, showcasing unity and joy. This experience underscored the ability of dance to unite people of different ages and skill levels.

"It's a holistic workout," notes Sheena, a dandiya and garba instructor who stresses the importance of warming up before delving into the intricate techniques. In today's sedentary lifestyle, characterized by long hours in front of screens, it's crucial to prepare the body for movement to prevent injuries from sudden exertion.

The demand for learning garba and dandiya continues to surge each year, according to brothers Nimesh and Mohit Chhag, who have been organizing classes for over a decade. They have expanded their workshops and schedules to accommodate the growing interest in these traditional dances.

Bijal J Shah, echoing these sentiments, believes in the three Ps - Patience, Practice, and Perfection. She advocates for a simplified teaching approach that fosters a friendly learning environment and introduces students to various garba and dandiya styles to make the learning process enjoyable and accessible. For beginners, she advises that consistent practice is key to mastering the steps and feeling more confident in their abilities.Tips for Garba Dance:

- Learn by observing: Pay close attention to experienced dancers to learn their technique and style.

- Have fun and relax: Garba is all about enjoying yourself, so don't worry about being perfect. Just let loose and enjoy the music.

- Respect others: Be considerate of fellow dancers by avoiding pushing or bumping into them and being aware of your surroundings.

- Dress the part: Garba dancers often wear colorful and vibrant costumes. Traditional attire includes cholis, ghagras, kurtas, and dhotis, but modern styles vary widely to suit different cultures and preferences.