Garba workshops are becoming increasingly popular as Navratri festivities are in full swing in Bengaluru. Residents are enthusiastically attending these workshops to sharpen their garba and dandiya skills in preparation for the upcoming celebrations. The city is bustling with excitement as individuals gear up to wear vibrant outfits and dance to the traditional rhythms. From local gatherings to large events, Bengaluru is set to experience a rich display of culture and festivity this weekend.
"Social media has played a significant role in promoting garba and dandiya. By highlighting the enjoyment and community aspects of these dances, more people have been encouraged to take part. Furthermore, the growing interest in fitness has made garba, which is essentially a cardio workout, more attractive," says Amisha Jhawar, a dance instructor.
Many participants find garba to be a therapeutic and fulfilling experience, returning each year for the joy, connection, and sense of camaraderie it offers. The informal group environment, the use of props like dandiya sticks, and the diverse dance styles all contribute to the charm of these workshops," adds Amisha, who conducts dance sessions in the city.
Garba is a dance that is welcoming to beginners. It is important to focus on footwork initially, as it forms the foundation for the entire dance. Once you master the footwork, you can incorporate arm movements and immerse yourself in the dance," says Sheena Chaudhary, a dance instructor.
"The festive spirit of Navratri is truly infectious and invigorating," shares Sheena Chaudhary, a choreographer in Bengaluru. She explains that dandiya and garba are predominantly seasonal dances, and people usually start practicing close to the event to enhance their memory of the steps and enhance their performance, or simply to embrace the festive atmosphere. "Both men and women participate, although there are typically more women. Most steps are gender-neutral, so men feel comfortable. To accommodate various skill levels, I teach the steps in a simplified manner with some choreography. The workshops have a great energy - participants are laughing, smiling, and having a great time.""Dance has the ability to unify people from all backgrounds," believes Zumba instructor Bijal J Shah. She recalls a heartwarming moment during her dandiya and garba classes where students of various ethnicities danced together with equal vigor and joy, showcasing the unifying power of dance. She emphasizes that dance transcends age and skill levels to bring individuals together in harmony.
Sheena, a dandiya and garba teacher, highlights the physical benefits of the dances, describing them as a natural full-body workout involving squats, arm stretches, and neck movements. She stresses the importance of warm-ups to prevent injuries, especially for beginners accustomed to sedentary lifestyles.
Brothers Nimesh and Mohit Chhag, who have been organizing dandiya and garba workshops for over a decade, note the increasing demand for these dances each year. To cater to this growing interest, they have expanded their workshop offerings and schedules to accommodate more participants. They emphasize the value of patience, practice, and striving for perfection in learning these traditional dance forms. Beginners are encouraged to practice consistently to improve their skills and comfort levels with the steps.Tips for Garba Dancing:
- Learn from experienced dancers by observing their technique and style.
- Remember that Garba is supposed to be enjoyable and fun, so don't stress about being perfect.
- Be mindful of garba etiquette, such as avoiding pushing or bumping into others.
- When choosing what to wear, consider the colorful and vibrant costumes typically worn by Garba dancers, which include cholis, ghagras, kurtas, and dhotis adorned with intricate designs. Modern garba attire varies widely to reflect different cultures and styles.
