How to play Garba, even if you have never tried.

How the Garba circle works

Garba is danced in a circle around a lamp or an image of the goddess. The name comes from the garbo, a clay pot with a lamp inside that traditionally sits at the centre. Everyone moves the same way round, repeating the same step to the beat, and on big grounds there are several circles, one inside the other, each at its own pace.

Traditionally, Garba comes first in the evening and dandiya raas follows. Many grounds now mix the two all night.

The steps worth knowing

1. 1

   Be Taali બે તાળી

   The two-clap step most people learn first. Step, step, clap, clap, and keep moving with the circle. If you know only one step, know this one.

2. 2

   Tran Taali ત્રણ તાળી

   Three claps per cycle, a little quicker and bouncier. Once the music picks up, most of the circle switches to this.

3. 3

   Dodhiyu દોઢિયું

   A faster, springier step with a sway and a turn. It looks effortless on the good dancers, and it is where a partner who matches your pace really helps.

4. 4

   Dandiya Raas દાંડિયા રાસ

   Danced with a pair of decorated sticks, facing a partner who changes as the lines move. Bring your own dandiya, and a partner who will not miss a beat.

Your first round

1. Practise Be Taali at home to one Garba song until your claps land on the beat without thinking.
2. At the ground, stand at the edge and watch one full turn of the circle before you join.
3. Slip in behind someone whose pace you like, and copy them.
4. Keep moving with the circle. If you need a break, step out to the outside instead of stopping inside it.
5. When the music speeds up, most of the circle switches to Tran Taali. Follow the person in front of you.
6. Go with someone who knows the steps. A partner who matches your pace makes a first night far easier.