The basic garba steps are simple, so simple that it does not much time to learn them as long as the person guiding does not over complicate matters. The basic steps are as simple as stepping backwards and fowards, with a slight lift.
Once the basic steps become second nature, there are many variations and enhancements which can be introduced to have the dancers stand out and shine. There are many ways in which the clapping can happen and if done well the clapping regulates the rhythm
It is best, even if you an accomplished dancer, to keep the flow of the steps and claps in balance and harmony, rather than be diverted into distracting moves, which spoil the flow and sweep of the dancing.
This makes the dancing far more tiring than it should be. The dancing will go on for several hours and more and if garba is taught and performed well, the deep thinking which has gone into the traditional steps, ensures that you feel energised rather than exhausted
Mostly barefoot depending on ground and consent
The Fudadarri is done at the end, when it otherwise seems that the dance has finished. Along then comes this wonderful bonus. In this style of dance two dancers hold each other with criss crossed arms and lean back and then turn and sway in a circle, going faster and faster and faster
Whilst this dancing is universal in Garba this dance with its spinning and swirling in an exhaustive and dangerous manner has few other equals, It is amazing to see groups of tens and hundreds doing this all together around the hall with so much energy unleashed and beaming excited faces, swaying away and screaming with laughter
The Ramjanyu happens at end of the evening just after or before the Fudadrri. By this time everyone is sweating, as the last raas finishes and there are some moments to relax and then the Ramjanyu starts.
This is a lilting march, where small groups of dancers put their arms around each others shoulders and then move in a march of dance backwards and forwards, marching their bodies in time and rhythm and balance.
Crucially you may leave the circle at any time and join it at any time, without really disturbing the other dancers
The significance of dancing in a circle is that, some of this flow of ras is kept in flow and check, that just when you might fly off and away, the mighty swirling circle draws you back into the spin and the pattern and the form resumes.
nP