Garba workshops are becoming increasingly popular in Bengaluru as Navratri festivities are in full swing. Residents are taking part in these workshops to refine their garba and dandiya skills in preparation for the celebrations. The city is alive with excitement as individuals gear up to dress in vibrant attire and dance to the traditional music. From small community gatherings to large events, Bengaluru is gearing up for a weekend filled with culture and merriment.
Social media has played a crucial role in raising the popularity of garba and dandiya by showcasing the enjoyment and communal aspects of these activities, attracting more participants. Additionally, the growing interest in fitness has made garba, which is essentially a cardio workout, more appealing to a wider audience, according to dance choreographer Amisha Jhawar.
Many participants find garba to be a therapeutic and joyful experience, drawing them back year after year due to the sense of connection and community it provides. The informal group atmosphere, the use of dandiya sticks, and the variety of dance styles all contribute to the allure of these workshops, notes Amisha, who organizes dance sessions in the city.
Garba is a dance that is suitable for beginners. It is recommended to first focus on mastering footwork, as it is essential for the flow of the dance. Once footwork is mastered, one can incorporate arm movements and fully enjoy the dance, advises dance instructor Sheena Chaudhary.
Sheena Chaudhary, a choreographer in Bengaluru, explains that dandiya and garba are seasonal dances, typically practiced closer to the event to enhance participants' memory of the steps and improve performance or simply to embrace the festival atmosphere. Both men and women take part, with more women usually participating. The dance steps are mostly gender-neutral, making men feel comfortable joining in. To cater to different skill levels, steps are taught in a simplified manner accompanied by choreography, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere during the workshops."Dance has the ability to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds," according to Bijal J Shah, a Zumba instructor, who emphasized the joy of seeing her students, regardless of their ethnicity, dancing with equal energy and excitement during dandiya and garba classes. She described it as a beautiful demonstration of unity and happiness, highlighting the unifying power of dance that can bring people together regardless of age or skill level.
Sheena, who leads dandiya and garba classes, highlighted the physical benefits of these traditional dances as a natural full-body workout involving squats, arm stretches, and neck movements. Stressing the importance of warming up before dancing, she explained that a gradual start is essential to prevent injuries, especially for beginners accustomed to sedentary lifestyles.
Brothers Nimesh and Mohit Chhag, organizers of dandiya and garba workshops across India, observed a growing demand for these dance forms each year. They have responded by expanding their workshops and schedules to accommodate more participants seeking to learn new styles and steps. Mohit emphasized the importance of patience, practice, and striving for perfection in mastering garba and dandiya styles.
For beginners, Shah recommends consistent practice to improve and feel more at ease with the steps, encouraging a friendly and accessible learning environment focused on enjoyment.Steps and beat. Observe and pick up tips: Learn from seasoned dancers to understand their moves and flair. Have fun and unwind: Garba is all about enjoying yourself! Don't stress about perfection; just let loose and groove to the music.
Garba guidelines: Show respect for others while dancing, and avoid collisions or pushing others. Stay aware of your surroundings.
What to wear? Garba enthusiasts often dress in vibrant and colorful outfits. Traditional attire for women includes cholis and ghagras with intricate embroidery and detailing, while men typically wear kurtas and dhotis. However, modern garba fashion varies, showcasing different cultures and styles.
