Garba workshops are becoming increasingly popular as Navratri festivities are in full swing. Residents of Bengaluru are taking part in these workshops to improve their garba and dandiya skills and prepare for the upcoming celebrations. The city is buzzing with excitement as individuals gear up to wear vibrant outfits and dance to the traditional music. Various events and community gatherings will showcase the cultural richness and joy of the festivities this weekend.
According to dance choreographer Amisha Jhawar, social media has played a significant role in boosting the popularity of garba and dandiya by highlighting the fun and communal aspects of these activities. The rising interest in fitness has also made garba more appealing as it provides a cardio workout. Participants often find garba to be a therapeutic experience, attracted by the happiness, connections, and community spirit it offers.
Amisha emphasizes that garba is a beginner-friendly dance form, advising dancers to focus on footwork initially and then incorporate arm movements to enhance their overall performance and enjoyment. Sheena Chaudhary, another dance instructor, shares that the infectious and exhilarating spirit of Navratri motivates people to practice dandiya and garba closer to the event to enhance their memory of the steps and get into the festive mood.
Both men and women participate in these seasonal dances, with more women usually joining in. Sheena ensures that her workshops cater to all skill levels by simplifying the steps and incorporating some choreography. The workshops create a lively atmosphere where participants are seen laughing, smiling, and enjoying the experience."Having fun is the main focus," she expresses. Zumba instructor Bijal J Shah explains, "Dance holds the unique ability to unite individuals from various backgrounds." She recalls a special moment where all her students, not just Gujaratis, danced with equal vigor and excitement, fully absorbed in the music. This display of unity and happiness highlighted the power of dance, showcasing its ability to bring people together regardless of age or skill level.
"It's a natural form of exercise," states Sheena, who prepares for dandiya and garba classes by incorporating squats, arm stretches, and neck movements. She emphasizes the importance of warming up before diving into dance techniques to prevent injuries, particularly for beginners. Given today's sedentary lifestyles, it's crucial to relax the body before engaging in physical activity.
The demand for learning garba and dandiya continues to grow annually, note brothers Nimesh and Mohit Chhag, who have been organizing workshops for over 14 years. They have witnessed a consistent increase in interest, with people seeking new styles, steps, and additional classes. To accommodate this demand, they have expanded their workshops and schedule offerings to make it more accessible for participants.
Mohit emphasizes the importance of the three Ps: Patience, Practice, and Perfection in learning dance styles. By simplifying teaching methods, fostering a welcoming environment, and introducing various garba and dandiya styles, he aims to make the learning experience enjoyable and inclusive.
Zumba instructor Bijal J Shah offers tips to beginners, emphasizing the importance of practice for improvement and increased comfort with dance steps.Tips and Guidelines for Garba Dancing:
- Learn by watching and following experienced dancers to improve your technique and style.
- Remember to have fun and relax while dancing - Garba is all about enjoyment!
- Don't stress about perfection; simply lose yourself in the music and have a good time.
- Respect others while participating in Garba by avoiding pushing or bumping into them and being aware of your surroundings.
- Embrace the colorful and vibrant dress code of Garba, with women typically wearing cholis and ghagras adorned in detailed embroidery and embellishments, and men often opting for kurtas and dhotis. However, modern variations in attire are also common, showcasing a mix of cultures and styles.
