Garba is a traditional dance form rooted in Gujarati culture and is commonly performed in groups by moving in circular formations. It is an engaging physical activity that requires coordination, rhythm, stamina, and collaboration with others. Although Garba appears enjoyable, it also demands practice, consistency, and physical control.
Before this CAS activity, I had very less prior experience with Garba and was mostly unfamiliar with the basic steps and movements. Learning Garba was challenging, as it cannot be mastered in a single day and requires repeated practice and commitment. I knew basic steps such as 22 and some others but the complex ones where the ones I did not know about. While the activity was enjoyable and social, it pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and develop new physical and coordination skills. Through regular practice and participation, I spent several hours dancing Garba with my peers, gradually improving my confidence and ability. This experience not only helped me develop new skills and physical endurance but also allowed me to connect more deeply with my Gujarati culture. Participating in Garba strengthened my understanding of my cultural identity and helped me appreciate traditional art forms through active involvement.
Learning Outcome 1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
During the Garba Fest, I was able to identify both my strengths and areas for growth through active participation. Since I had a little prior experience with Garba, one of my strengths was basic familiarity with the steps and rhythm, which helped me feel more confident while dancing in a large group. I was able to follow the flow of the dance and maintain coordination for most of the event.
However, I also recognised areas for growth, such as improving stamina and maintaining consistency in steps for longer durations. As the event progressed, I realised that dancing continuously for several hours required more physical endurance and better control over movements. This challenge caused me to miss some steps and cause hinderance to others thus, this area for growth was crucial for me to overcome. While I was not able to completely overcome this area of growth I eventually came up to speed with others.
Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills
Even though I had some prior experience with Garba, performing during the Garba Fest was challenging due to the scale of the event and the extended duration of dancing. Keeping up with the music, maintaining rhythm, and adjusting movements in a crowded environment required focus and adaptability. To do garba with others i had ot overcome this challenge. Thus, I practiced maintaining speed so that I can move freely in an circle without slowing down or speeding up. Through this challenge, I developed skills such as better rhythm control, spatial awareness, and stamina. I also learned how to adapt my movements based on the pace of the group and respond quickly to changes in music or formations. This experience helped me improve my dancing ability and confidence in performing Garba in a large group setting.
Learning Outcome 4: Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience
I demonstrated perseverance and commitment by actively participating throughout the Garba Fest despite physical tiredness. As the event continued, fatigue set in and I got very tired, but I remained engaged and continued dancing instead of stopping early. Maintaining energy and motivation during a long cultural event required mental determination as well as physical effort which showed my commitment and perseverance in the garba fest.
My commitment to participating fully helped me gain more confidence and enjoyment from the experience. This showed me that perseverance is important even in activities that are enjoyable, as sustained effort leads to personal improvement and a more meaningful experience.
Learning Outcome 5: Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively
Garba is inherently a collaborative dance that depends on coordination and teamwork. During the Garba Fest, I worked alongside peers to maintain circular formations, synchronise steps, and ensure smooth movement within the group. This required awareness of others, communication through gestures, and mutual adjustment.
Working collaboratively made the experience more organised and enjoyable, as everyone contributed to maintaining rhythm and flow. It also reduced mistakes and helped the group perform better as a whole. This experience reinforced the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and shared responsibility in achieving a successful group performance.
Overall, participating in the Garba Fest was a meaningful and engaging CAS experience that allowed me to combine physical activity with cultural expression. Despite being a one-day event, it helped me recognise my strengths, identify areas for improvement, and develop skills such as coordination, stamina, and teamwork. Dancing Garba with peers strengthened my sense of cultural identity and highlighted the importance of collaboration in group-based activities. This experience reinforced the value of perseverance and active participation, making it a memorable and enriching part of my CAS journey.
SDG – Good health and wellbeing
Garba is a physically demanding dance that promotes fitness, stamina, coordination, and mental well-being. Participating in the fest encouraged physical activity and helped reduce stress, supporting overall health
