Garba workshops are becoming increasingly popular as Navratri is in full swing. Residents of Bengaluru are taking part in these workshops to improve their garba and dandiya skills and prepare for the upcoming festivities. The city is vibrant with excitement as individuals gear up to dress in colorful attire and dance to the traditional music. Bengaluru is about to witness a blend of culture and celebrations through various community gatherings and events this weekend.
Amisha Jhawar, a dance choreographer, mentions the significant role of social media in promoting garba and dandiya. The platform has highlighted the fun and communal aspects of these activities, attracting more participants. Moreover, the rising interest in fitness has made garba more appealing, given its cardiovascular benefits.
Participants describe garba as a therapeutic and joyful experience, drawing them back year after year for its sense of connection and community. The informal group environment, the use of props like dandiya sticks, and the diverse dance styles all contribute to the charm of these workshops, according to Amisha.
Emphasizing that garba is beginner-friendly, dance instructor Sheena Chaudhary advises focusing on footwork initially to maintain the flow of the dance. Once comfortable with footwork, participants can incorporate arm movements and fully enjoy the dance.
Sheena shares that the spirit of Navratri is contagious and exhilarating. Dandiya and garba are seasonal dances, typically practiced closer to the event to enhance memory of the steps and improve performance or simply embrace the festive atmosphere. Both men and women take part in these dances, with most steps being gender-neutral to make everyone feel comfortable. To accommodate different skill levels, Sheena simplifies the steps and adds choreography, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere during the workshops."She mentions that it's mostly about having fun,' Dance has the ability to unite individuals from all backgrounds,' remarks Bijal J Shah, a Zumba instructor. 'One of my most memorable experiences while teaching dandiya and garba was observing all my students - not just Gujaratis - dancing with equal vigor and enthusiasm, completely engrossed in the rhythm. It was a stunning showcase of unity and happiness, highlighting the power of dance to bring people together, irrespective of age or skill level. 'It's a natural form of exercise,' says Sheena, who initiated dandiya and garba classes two weeks early. 'It serves as a natural workout as it involves squats, arm stretches, and neck engagement, making it a full-body workout. I always commence each class with warm-ups before proceeding to the techniques. Considering the sedentary lifestyles prevalent today, particularly those involving extended sitting and corporate work, it's essential to ease into it. Starting to dance without warming up can result in injuries, particularly for beginners. 'The demand for learning garba and dandiya grows annually,' state brothers Nimesh and Mohit Chhag, who have been hosting dandiya and garba workshops in Bengaluru and nationwide for 14 years. 'We've continuously observed an increasing demand. Every year, there's a craving for new styles, moves, and additional classes. To meet this rising interest, we've broadened our network of workshops and centers, making participation more convenient for people. We've also introduced workshops at varying times to accommodate different schedules,' Mohit explains. 'I firmly believe in the three Ps: Patience, Practice, and Perfection. By simplifying the teaching approach, fostering a welcoming environment, and introducing or explaining garba and dandiya styles, I aim to make learning fun and accessible,' adds Bijal J Shah, a Zumba instructor. Tips for beginners: 'Practice makes perfect: The more you practice, the more confident you'll become with the steps.'"Tips for Enjoying Garba:
- Learn by Watching: Pay attention to experienced dancers to pick up their technique and style.
- Have Fun: Remember that Garba is all about enjoying yourself! Don't stress about being perfect - simply relax and immerse yourself in the music.
- Show Respect: When taking part in Garba, always be considerate of others. Avoid collisions and be aware of your surroundings.
- Dress the Part: Garba attire is traditionally colorful and vibrant, featuring detailed embellishments. Women typically wear cholis and ghagras, while men opt for kurtas and dhotis. However, modern interpretations vary widely to reflect diverse cultures and styles.
