Garba workshops are becoming increasingly popular during Navratri festivities in Bengaluru. Residents are taking part in these workshops to refine their garba and dandiya skills ahead of joining the celebrations. The city is bustling with excitement as preparations are underway for donning vibrant attire and dancing to the traditional music. From local gatherings to large events, Bengaluru is gearing up for a weekend filled with cultural displays and merriment.
The rise of social media has played a crucial role in popularizing garba and dandiya, showcasing the fun and communal aspects of these dances and encouraging more people to participate. The growing fitness trend has also contributed to the appeal of garba as a cardio workout, explains dance choreographer Amisha Jhawar.
Many participants find garba to be a therapeutic experience, drawn by the joy, connection, and sense of community it offers. The group environment, use of props like dandiya sticks, and variety of dance styles all add to the charm of these workshops, as described by Amisha, who hosts dance sessions in the city.
Garba is described as a beginner-friendly dance, with a focus on mastering footwork before incorporating arm movements to fully enjoy the dance. According to dance instructor Sheena Chaudhary, the spirit of Navratri is infectious and exhilarating, leading people to practice dandiya and garba closer to the event to boost their performance or simply to immerse themselves in the festival spirit. Both men and women take part in these dances, with steps that are typically gender-neutral to create an inclusive environment. Sheena simplifies the dance steps and includes choreography to cater to participants of all skill levels, ensuring a lively and enjoyable atmosphere during the workshops."Dance has the ability to unite people from various communities," shares Zumba instructor Bijal J Shah. She recalls a heartwarming experience teaching dandiya and garba where students of different backgrounds danced with equal enthusiasm and unity. Witnessing this display reinforced the idea that dance can bridge differences and create joy for all, regardless of age or expertise.
Fitness enthusiast Sheena emphasizes the natural workout benefits of dandiya and garba, which engage various muscle groups through movements like squats and arm stretches. She stresses the importance of warming up before diving into the dance to prevent injuries, particularly for beginners unused to physical activity due to sedentary lifestyles.
Brothers Nimesh and Mohit Chhag, who have been organizing dandiya and garba workshops for over a decade, have noticed a steady rise in demand for learning these traditional dances. They have expanded their workshops and schedules to accommodate the increasing interest, aiming to make the learning experience enjoyable and accessible for all participants by focusing on patience, practice, and striving for perfection.
For beginners, the advice is simple: practice regularly to improve your comfort level with the steps.Steps and beat. Observe and absorb: Learn from skilled dancers to understand their technique and flair. Chill and revel: Garba is all about having a great time! Don't stress over perfection; just loosen up and enjoy the music.
Garba manners: When taking part in Garba, it's vital to show respect towards others. Avoid pushing or colliding with fellow dancers, and stay aware of your surroundings.
What to dress in? Garba performers often don vibrant and colorful outfits. Traditionally, women don cholis and ghagras, accentuated with intricate embroidery and decorations. Men commonly wear kurtas and dhotis. Yet, contemporary Garba attire may vary widely, showcasing the broad spectrum of cultures and fashions.
