Workshops for learning garba and dandiya are becoming popular in Bengaluru as Navratri festivities are in full swing. People in the city are eager to improve their dancing skills and prepare for the colorful cultural celebrations that lie ahead. Social media has played a significant role in promoting these traditional dances, showcasing the fun and communal aspects to encourage more participation. Dance choreographer Amisha Jhawar notes that interest in fitness has also made garba more appealing as it is essentially a cardio activity. Participants find garba to be a therapeutic and communal experience, drawn by the joy and connections it brings. The use of props like dandiya sticks and a variety of dance styles add to the appeal of these workshops. Garba is a beginner-friendly dance that focuses on footwork first before incorporating arm movements for a complete experience. Choreographer Sheena Chaudhary describes the infectious and exhilarating spirit of Navratri festivals, noting that people tend to start practicing dandiya and garba closer to the event to enhance their memory of the steps and improve their performance. Both men and women participate in these seasonal dances, with steps that are gender-neutral to make everyone feel comfortable. Workshops provide a lively atmosphere where people can enjoy learning and dancing together."Dance is all about having fun," Bijal J Shah, a Zumba instructor, emphasizes the unifying power of dance across communities. She recalls a heartwarming moment during her dandiya and garba classes when students from diverse backgrounds danced with equal fervor and joy, showcasing the unity that dance can bring regardless of age or expertise. She underscores the importance of dance as a natural full-body workout, incorporating exercises like squats and arm stretches. She advises starting with a warm-up before diving into dance movements, especially given today's sedentary lifestyles that can lead to injuries without proper preparation. Brothers Nimesh and Mohit Chhag, who have been hosting dandiya and garba workshops for 14 years, have noticed a rising interest in learning these traditional dances, prompting them to expand their classes and schedules to cater to the growing demand. They emphasize the value of patience, practice, and striving for perfection in learning these styles. For beginners, they stress the importance of consistent practice to build confidence and familiarity with the steps.Here are some rephrased details for you:
- Learn from experienced dancers by watching their technique and style.
- When dancing Garba, remember to have fun and don't worry about being perfect — just enjoy the music.
- Show respect to others during Garba; avoid pushing or bumping into fellow dancers and be aware of your surroundings.
- Garba attire usually consists of colorful and vibrant costumes. Women traditionally wear cholis and ghagras with intricate embroidery, while men typically wear kurtas and dhotis. However, modern Garba outfits can vary greatly to reflect diverse cultures and styles.
