Five tips to rocking the garba grounds this Navratri, especially if you are a newbie
Your outfit can steal the show along with your moves! Pic/iStock
Navratri is right around the corner with its rhythmic thump of dhols, garba grounds lit with the glow from golden lights, the swirl of vibrant chaniya cholis and kediyus spinning into a kaleidoscope of colours and Falguni Pathak’s evergreen tunes playing on the speakers, wrapping the atmosphere in nostalgia and making the festival come alive. As Mumbai warms up for another round of celebrating the festival, there are always a few newcomers who are eager to join the circles of garba, yet hesitant because of their lack of experience. It’s very easy to be intimidated by dancers who seem like seasoned professionals, spinning and twirling as if they have been doing it all their lives.
But here’s the thing — garba was never meant to be a contest of expertise. It’s a folk dance that brings individuals together and makes them unite over a common tune, and is meant to be inclusive and joyous. If you are still worried about appearing as if you don’t know what you are doing, this guide has you covered!
1 Groove to the beat
A lot of people frantically push themselves into the garba circle, trying to keep up with everyone and memorising the sequence of the steps. Although some of them learn just from observing the steps, it often happens that just as they have figured it all out, the people in the circle switch to different steps, and the beginners are back to square one. To avoid getting stuck wondering what to do next, instructors usually recommend listening to the beat, understanding the tempo of the song, and letting yourself feel it. Instead of trying to memorise a sequence, let the energetic beats guide you.
2 Start it out simple with the Teen Taali or the Three Clap Step
Although garba enthusiasts argue that the do taali or the two-clap steps are the easiest way to begin, Ekta Vekaria, 35, folk dance instructor at Folktastic Dance Studio in Mumbai, says, “I have noticed that the three clap steps are fairly simple to ease rookies into the territory. The children who learn at my garba classes also pick the steps up effortlessly. It is uncomplicated especially because you have to follow footwork similar to the way you walk — right-left-right, and clap your hands in sync. I think that is a way that also makes you catch the rhythm and the taal of the garba without even realising it.”
Co-founders of Folktastic Studio, Ekta and Anubhav
3 Lesser Spins, More Grace
Videos of people doing garba portray them practising multiple spins at a stretch, sometimes going as far as inculcating steps that look more like acrobatics than garba! This may be the reason why garba may seem like a very difficult dance form to a newbie. Vekaria adds, “It is about fewer spins and more graceful twirls. No one is judging you and counting the amount of spins that you can do, but the finesse with which you carry yourself while doing garba is visible to everyone.” It is necessary to remember that there is no “best” way to do garba, but the point is to enjoy yourself and have the most fun.
4 Add some personal flair
For Vekaria, “Performance is completely different from just copypasting steps.” A true performance, she adds, always has some personal flair. Even with hand movements, there have been a lot of new hand movements incorporated with the coming generations’ trends. Some of them may include playful dabs while some of them make a peace sign. All of these can be included as long as they are respectful towards the original art form. Moreover, hands, posture, expressions is what makes the dance come alive. One more main thing to remember is to smile — “When you smile, it radiates to the people around you as well. It is the best ornament that one could wear.”
It’s nine days when your emotions dance to the tune of the music. File pic/Nimesh Dave
5 Comfort first, always!
If you are planning to dance throughout the night, make sure that your clothing stays comfortable. Vekaria shares, “Traditionally, people used to wear more earthy colours, but with changing times, they prefer to go all out with their outfits and dress up as vibrantly as possible, adding their own touches to their looks. But try not to opt for heavier ghagras because they tend to wear you out after some time.”
Navratri brings with it a shared comfort of joy, community and delight. When it comes to her own experience of playing garba when she started out as a child, Vekaria chuckles and says, “I made so many friends when I used to go to play garba. We used to match outfits, dance the entire night together and the time that I spent with them became memories that I can cherish forever.” Festivals like Navratri are bound to make you fall in love with the vibe that it brings with it. So when you are planning to go play garba, remember this guide and you will be all set for the night!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
