HerZindagi Navratri Dance Guide: Step-By-Step Dance Routine To Learn Dakla For That Perfect Garba Night

Navratri is just around the corner, and you might have started practising those two-three steps that you know of Garba. While those two-three steps might get your night started, but nothing speaks of Navratri as Dakla does. 

What Is Dakla Dance And Why Is It Popular During Navratri?

Dalka is a high speed, electrifying Gujarati dance form, driven by the intense rhythm of the traditional Daklu (dak) drum. Dakla is performed as an act of worship towards the Chamunda Devi (one of the most fierce forms of Maa Durga). 

Easy Dakla Dance Routine For Beginners

Dakla Dance Steps: How To Get Started

Step 1: Learn The Basic Dakla Footwork

The soul of Dakla dance is light and fast footsteps. Start your practice with a comfortable standing stance with knees slightly bent. Tap your right foot forward, bring it back, and immediately shift your weight to repeat with the left foot. The movement should be bouncy and swift. 

Step 2: Add Hand Movements To Your Dakla Steps

Once your feet get comfortable with the fast rhythm of the dance form, introduce your hands. Dakla hand gestures range from sharp claps to wide, strong sweeping arcs above your head. As you step forward with your right foot, sweep both hands towards the right. And as you rest your feet bring your palms together for a crisp clap at chest level.

Step 3: Master The Garba Turns And Spins

Dakla transitions rapidly between linear footwork and dynamic 360-degree spins (chakkars). Make sure you spin without losing balance, keep your core engaged, pivot cleanly on the ball of your foot, and spot a point in front of you as you turn.

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Step 4: Match Your Steps With The Dakla Rhythm

The Daklu drum accelerates as the song progresses. Start by matching your steps to a moderate beat. As the drum roll speeds up, shorten your strides so your feet can keep pace without tripping.

Step 5: Combine All Dakla Dance Steps Into A Routine

Put your footwork, hand arcs, and turn into a fluid sequence just like water. Practice linking two steps of footwork, one hand sweep, and a rapid spin into a continuous loop until it feels natural.

 

 

 

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Tips To Perform Dakla Confidently On Garba Night

Keep Your Footwork Light And Rhythmic

Avoid landing heavy on your heels. Staying on the balls of your feet allows you to change direction quickly. 

Maintain Your Hand And Body Coordination

Your upper body and lower body should move as one unit. Keep your shoulders relaxed and allow your torso to sway naturally with the direction of your hand.

Practise The Routine Slowly Before Increasing The Speed

Do not jump straight into full-speed Dakla tracks. Practice your steps to a slower tempo.

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Follow The Music And Maintain Your Energy 

Dakla is as much about passion and spirit as it is about technical precision. Keep a smile on your face, make eye contact with fellow dancers in the circle. 

Conclusion

By mastering basic footwork, coordinating your hand sweeps, and building up your pace, you will be fully prepared to join the high-energy Dakla circles this Navratri with style and devotion.

(Image Credits:Pinterest)

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