SWAPNIL
GARBA
Indian Folk Dance
What is Garba?
Garba is a joyful and energetic folk dance from Gujarat, India, traditionally performed during Navratri, a festival celebrating the feminine divine. Known for its rhythmic movements, lively turns, and clapping patterns, Garba is a dance that embodies community, devotion, and festivity.
In our Garba classes, you’ll start with the foundational steps and techniques, learning the rhythm and flow of the dance. As you progress, you’ll explore more intricate movements, such as spins, jumps, and dynamic patterns that bring Garba to life. The classes will also introduce you to basic group formations, giving you a chance to experience the sense of connection and joy that Garba embodies.
Whether you’re new to Garba or have some dance experience, these classes will help you build your skills, gain confidence, and enjoy the vibrant energy of this beautiful dance form.
Are you eager to join our Garba classes with Swapnil beginning in September?
We strongly suggest taking part in the Indian dance Summer Intensive with Swapnil from August 11 to 14 beforehand. This intensive will establish a strong foundation in the essentials of Garba, ensuring you maximize your experience in the upcoming classes.
SEMESTER 1: SEP 2025 - FEB 2026
GARBA
Level 1
WEDNESDAY 18:30 - 19:30
Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
€168/ €148 for students (-25j)
80% Social Discount UiTPAS
14 sessions
Language: EN/NL
Age group: 12+
FEB - JUN 2025
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Garba
SWAPNIL DAGLIYA
Swapnil Dagliya is the artistic director and co-founder of Shoonya Dance Centre in Ghent, Belgium. Born and raised in Pune, India—near Mumbai, the heart of Bollywood—he grew up immersed in the vibrant world of Indian film music and dance. He blends his Indian roots with training in ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary dance to make Indian dance more accessible and relatable to international audiences.
He is a certified instructor with Learn Bhangra® and holds a diploma in Indian folk dance, with deep expertise in traditional forms like Garba, Rajasthani dances such as Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, and other folk styles from across India. His formal training includes graduation from the Broadway Dance Center in New York and advanced studies at Opus Ballet in Florence, Italy, where he trained with renowned teachers and international artists.
From 2008 to 2018, Swapnil led his own dance school in India—SPACE (Swapnil’s Performing Arts & Contemporary Ensemble)—and taught dance and theory at Lalit Kala Kendra – University of Pune and Flame University, mentoring many young dancers.
His journey with movement began in childhood through yoga, guided by his grandmother, a student of B.K.S. Iyengar. In 2011, he completed his yoga teacher training in Pune, a foundation that continues to influence his approach to choreography and teaching today.
Now based in Belgium, Swapnil teaches regular classes at Shoonya Dance Centre and leads ABC a Bollywood Company. He is also the curator of the annual Gent India Dans Festival, a celebration of the richness and diversity of Indian dance in the heart of Ghent.
