Discover Garba
with Swapnil Dagliya
Learn Garba, the vibrant folk dance from Gujarat!
Garba has always been close to home for me. It’s not just a dance—it’s community, celebration, rhythm, and roots. In these workshops, I don’t just teach steps. We learn how Garba feels—the weight of the footwork, the pulse of the dhol, the simplicity of a dodhiyu done well. Whether we're dancing in Belgium or Frankfurt, the energy stays the same: raw, joyful, and real.
What is Garba? Garba is a traditional folk dance from Gujarat, India, performed especially during the nine-night Hindu festival of Navratri. The name “Garba” comes from the Sanskrit word Garbha, meaning “womb,” symbolizing life’s cycle and creation.
The dance is done in a circle around a central lamp or an image of Goddess Durga, reflecting the rhythm of life, time, and the universe. Dancers move in coordinated steps to the beat of traditional music played on instruments like the dhol, tabla, and harmonium.
Garba is full of energy, color, and celebration. Women wear vibrant chaniya cholis (long skirts and blouses), while men dress in kediyu and dhoti (traditional tunics and pants). More than just a dance, Garba brings people together, creating joy, unity, and a deep spiritual connection.
Today, Garba is celebrated worldwide, sharing the vibrant spirit of Indian culture with communities everywhere.
Workshop Highlights:
In my Garba workshops, you’ll learn the fundamentals of this energetic and joyful dance, focusing on what makes Garba truly special:
Core Steps: Learn the heartbeat steps of Garba:
Tran Taali — the signature 3-clap rhythm, plus fresh variations to give your dancing personality.
Heench — the graceful side step with hip and arm styling, along with creative new ways to perform it.
6-step Dodhiyu — the lively movement that keeps the circle flowing.
Variations & Flow (Next 90 minutes)
8 step & 12-step Dodhiyu and playful variations to keep your dancing fresh.
Spin technique for smooth, balanced turns.
Barrels and traveling turns to add dynamic flair.
Community & Joy: Garba is about dancing together and sharing the vibrant spirit of the dance. Feel the uplifting energy as you connect and celebrate with others.
Your questions answered
About Garba Workshops
Where can I learn Garba in Europe?
I teach Garba workshops across Europe — in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and beyond. My home base is Ghent, Belgium, where I teach regularly at Shoonya Dance Centre. I also travel for workshops and can be booked in your city. Visit the Let's Work Together page to discuss a workshop near you.
Do I need dance experience to join a Garba workshop?
No experience needed. My workshops are designed for complete beginners and experienced dancers alike. We start from the ground up — footwork, rhythm, the feel of the circle — so everyone finds their footing from the first session. If you've danced before, you'll go deeper faster. If you haven't, you'll be surprised how quickly Garba clicks.
What will I learn in a Garba workshop?
You'll learn the core vocabulary of Garba: Tran Taali (the 3-clap rhythm and variations), Heench (the graceful side step with arm and hip styling), and Dodhiyu (6, 8, and 12-step variations). From there we build into spin technique, barrels, and traveling turns — so you leave with real tools, not just memorised steps.
Is Garba only for Navratri, or can I learn it year-round?
Garba is for any time of year. Navratri is the most celebrated occasion — nine nights of dancing — but the dance itself belongs to every season. I run workshops across Europe throughout the year, in dance studios, cultural events, and festivals. You don't need to wait for October to start.
How long is a typical Garba workshop?
Most workshops run 2 to 3 hours. A shorter session covers the foundations — footwork, clap patterns, basic steps. A longer session adds variations, spins, and flow. For intensive weekends or multi-day workshops, we go much deeper into style, musicality, and choreography.
Can I book a Garba workshop in my city?
Yes — I regularly travel across Europe for workshops and am available for bookings in Belgium and internationally. Studios, cultural centres, festivals, and private events are all possible. Use the Let's Work Together page to get in touch with your location, date, and group size.
What makes your Garba teaching different?
I don't just teach the steps — I teach how Garba feels. The weight of the footwork, the pulse of the dhol, the joy of moving in a circle with others. My approach is rooted in the dance's Gujarati origins, shaped by years of performing and teaching across Europe. Whether you're dancing for the first time or deepening your practice, the goal is the same: to make it real.