We recently had the privilege of immersing ourselves in a Navratri-inspired Garba dance class led by the talented Tithi Raval, a dancer whose passion shines through every movement and story she shares.
From the moment we stepped into Tithi's studio, we could feel the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and energy. Tithi began by sharing her personal story, a dance journey that started at the young age of five. Trained in Bharata Natyam under Guru Dina Sheth at the Kruti Dance Academy, she completed her Arangetram, a rite of passage in the classical dance community, at 17. During her time at Georgia Tech, she founded and captained the competitive Bhangra team, training over 60 dancers and leading the team to multiple national victories. Her leadership and commitment to fostering community through dance were palpable in the class as well as she encouraged each of us to find our own expression within the traditional form.
As we moved through the class, Tithi wove the stories of South Asian traditions into her teaching and choreography. The focus of this class was on the Gujarati tradition of Garba, a centuries-old celebratory dance performed everywhere from weddings to Navratri. She explained the history of this dance form, how it is performed, and its special significance during Navratri. Understanding this history while learning the steps allowed us to appreciate the why in addition to the dancing. The swirling motions and rhythmic clapping became a communal, celebratory experience.
What strikes us most is how Tithi is preserving tradition while making it accessible and relevant for new groups; she embodies the very essence of what we strive for at Zaars. Her approach resonates with our efforts to offer a platform where the South Asian diaspora can reconnect with their roots through fashion, and newcomers can connect with South Asian clothes and culture authentically. Just as she tells stories through dance, we aim to tell stories through the clothes and stories we collect.
Our experience with Tithi was more than a dance lesson; it was a reaffirmation of the importance of cultural preservation. It reminded us that traditions thrive when we actively participate in them and share them with others. We invite our Zaars community to explore these cultural expressions, be it through dance, fashion, or storytelling.
For those interested in experiencing the magic of Tithi's classes, we highly recommend taking that first step. It's an opportunity to connect with South Asian culture in a fun and authentic way. Learn more and sign up at tithiraval.com ✨
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