As part of my CAS activity, I participated in my school’s garba fest event as a guest. Garba is a form of dance that I truly enjoy, and I have been actively taking part in it for the past two years.

For me, any form of activity is important for good physical health, and Garba is an effective option as it helps build stamina and endurance. Over the past two years, I have made it a habit to participate in Garba events not just in school but also outside during Navratri. Last year, I also took part in the Garba Fest, but compared to then, this year felt more fulfilling because I had learned more forms of Garba and could join in with greater confidence. Being able to recognize and perform different variations made the event more enjoyable, as I could adapt to new styles more easily while still keeping up my energy. I also chose this activity because I wanted to connect more deeply with Gujarati culture, while at the same time working on my physical health. Since Garba is a group activity, the event reminded me of the joy of dancing in harmony with others, maintaining rhythm, and adapting to different styles on the spot. Even though it was a one-day event, it felt meaningful because it combined celebration, culture, and physical activity.

CAS Learning Outcomes

LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
Over the past two years, I’ve developed strong stamina and rhythm, which have become my biggest strengths when it comes to Garba. Taking part in Garba regularly during Navratri and also in school events has made me confident in keeping pace with the group for long periods of time. This year, compared to last year’s Fest, I realized I had grown in my ability to pick up new forms quickly. However, I also noticed that when more complex steps or faster-paced sequences were introduced, I sometimes struggled to keep up. This showed me that while I’ve grown a lot, there’s still space to improve my flexibility and ability to adjust in high-energy sequences.

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
The biggest challenge during the Fest was adapting to new moves on the spot without any practice sessions. Since Garba relies heavily on rhythm and group synchronization, even one mistake can throw off the pattern. Initially, I hesitated when unfamiliar steps came up, but instead of stopping, I observed closely and tried to adjust quickly. This helped me develop the skill of fast learning in a group setting and reminded me that it’s okay to make small mistakes as long as I keep going. It also improved my confidence in handling unfamiliar dance forms, which I can now apply not only in Garba but in other activities too.

LO4 – Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
My participation in Garba has not been limited to a single event—it has become a consistent part of my lifestyle. For two years now, I’ve made it a habit to dance during Navratri every year and take part in my school’s Garba Fests. This consistency shows my perseverance in keeping up with a cultural and physical activity that benefits both my health and my identity. Even when there are no structured practices or preparations, I make the effort to show up, dance, and improve. This year’s Fest reminded me how much progress I’ve made since last year, and it motivates me to stay committed in the future as well.

LO5 – Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Garba is never a solo dance; it thrives on group energy, rhythm, and synchronization. At the Fest, I had to be very aware of the circle’s pace and direction so that my steps matched everyone else’s. This required focus, teamwork, and patience, especially when new people joined in and disrupted the flow. Instead of being frustrated, I tried to adjust and help others keep pace, which taught me the value of cooperation. I also realized that collaboration makes the experience much more enjoyable—the atmosphere of dancing with friends and classmates created an energy that no individual effort could match. It reminded me that working together not only improves the performance but also makes the cultural celebration feel more meaningful.

Overall, the Garba Fest was a meaningful CAS experience as part of the Activity component. It combined cultural appreciation, physical activity, and collaboration in one event. While I enjoyed showcasing my strengths and could see clear progress compared to last year, I also discovered areas for growth, particularly in exploring newer Garba forms. The event motivated me to continue engaging with dance as both a way to stay active and to celebrate culture and community.