Spring Garba? (Indian Celebration...?) *pics* UPDATED!

[thawolfman]

Update - 4/12/03 3:08AM
Damn that was pretty fun!

The music was awesome even though I didn't dance or attack anyone with sticks ...Towards the end it did turn into a club like scene...it was remixed Indian music with some hip-hop...I was really suprised at how good it was!

I didn't actually get to spend too much time with the girl, but then I didn't really expect to. There were a few friends there that I had, so I was able to talk with them for awhile, but she was with her friends most of the night (and she didn't dance either...I told her I would if she did but then she said something about restrictions, so I left that one alone.) It was cool though even though I spent a good part of the night holding up the wall.

Anyways, it ended a little after 1, and I went to visit my buddy at his job, so I just got in. I didn't get too many pictures since it got dark in there pretty quick, and everyone was basically dancing the whole time anyways, so I didn't have a good opportunity to snag any pics, but I did manage to have one taken. Damn I need to work on my smile!

Thanks for all the support throughout the thread - I'm glad I went!

-Ben-


Anyone ever been to one of these things? The South Asian Students Association is having this Spring Garba thing tommorow, and I have NO idea what it is, or what it's about, but a bunch of my Indian friends, including her (right) are asking me to go. (Pic 2)

So yeah, if you've heard of this or been to one then how weird would it be for a white boy like myself (don't mind that pic ) to go to one of these? I don't want to turn this into YAGT, but I'm pretty interested in the girl even though I've been interested, expressed my interest, and have had another girl tell her that she(girl in pic) says I'm too young even though she flirts like a mofo...she's 26, and I'll be 21 in May...

ANYWAYS...how weird would it be for me to go?

-Ben-

Edit: As it stands - I'm leaning towards going just so I can hang out with her and maybe change her opinion on the age thing, so I guess this is already a YAGT. But still my weird question stands...

 

[Ameesh]

its a type of danicing, usually its pretty fun, if the girl invited you should go, wear comfortable clothes especially shoes but make sure its a little dressy as everyone will be dressed up in indian clothes.

its cool that you have an open mind to it, im sure you'll have a good time.


(dont hit people with the sticks and if you can whistle loudly you'll be the hit of the crowd)

the dancing is pretty easy, once you see it you'll understand how to do it.

have fun!

 

[thawolfman]

Yeah, she did invite me to go...I was like "Sure I'll go, but I don't dance! " And she proceeded to tell me that it was OK since she didn't dance either, so that's kind of more reason for me to go since I don't have to make too much of a fool out of myself...

Anyways, any idea what I should wear? One of the guys I was talking to tonight didn't have any indian clothes to wear and he said he was just going casual jeans/sweater or something of the like. I dunno, I think it'd be cool but you don't think I'd be too out of place?

thanks for replying!

 

[KeyserSoze]

Dude, where you at? I wanna come to a "Do" party. I'm probably going to Atlanta tomorrow for some "Do" Golf Tournament (And actually a football tournament also.)

Screw Atlanta, where you at? I'll be a great wingman.






KeyserSoze

 

[thawolfman]

I'm in Connecticut.

Link to the site - It's messed up now, but it's at my school tommorow night...

 

[Ameesh]

Originally posted by: thawolfman
Yeah, she did invite me to go...I was like "Sure I'll go, but I don't dance! " And she proceeded to tell me that it was OK since she didn't dance either, so that's kind of more reason for me to go since I don't have to make too much of a fool out of myself...

Anyways, any idea what I should wear? One of the guys I was talking to tonight didn't have any indian clothes to wear and he said he was just going casual jeans/sweater or something of the like. I dunno, I think it'd be cool but you don't think I'd be too out of place?

thanks for replying!

i would wear kahkis, an undershirt, and a shirt (note the undershirt cause your probably gonna sweat) and some comfortable shoes. if it was me i wouldnt go in jeans and a tshirt, all the ones ive been too everyone was dressed up so you'll look like a slob i think, but i dont know how the indian community is over there, it may be more relaxed.

 

[Ameesh]

btw the girl is pretty cute (both of them actually)

 

[bigrash]

Since it's a school thing, I don't think you'll be left out. I've been to many of these parties here in NY and usually there's people from all cultures attending. Just wear casual cloths and you'll be fine.

I got another of these Indian college parties to go to May 10th. All you desi ATOT from nyc should come

 

[thawolfman]

Thanks for the input so far guys!

I've added another pic and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to end up going, but I'd like to know as much as possible about this before I go...keep the comments coming!

 

[thawolfman]

Shameless bump.

 

[Bkas]

Go. I'm South Asian, and my friends here (College) go when they have the celebration (I don't, 'cause it's not my cup of tea). Not being Indian won't hurt you, because there are quite a few non-Indians (at least here) that go...in fact, other Indians may think it's cool (including the girl). Why not go? If you feel uncomfortable, at least you're with a cute Indian girl.

Good luck!

 

[thawolfman]

Originally posted by: Bkas
If you feel uncomfortable, at least you're with a cute Indian girl.

Good luck!

That's the plan!

I'll just be meeting her there (a little later) so hopefully I'll get some attention!

 

[chiwawa626]

Im not much of a dancer but i have found that anyone can garba. The first few times you mite be confused and screw up the line (heh thats me every time) (if you do screw it up just blame it on others...) but its pretty fun once you get into it. Just make sure if your trying to talk to this girl try to get her to be your partner when you join in a garba line thing since you need a partner, that way you can talk to her all the way round... Overall its pretty fun, take a chance and see how it goes. Also for dress code, i suggest kakhis, comfy shoes, and a button up shirt. Good luck.

 

[thawolfman]

Originally posted by: chiwawa626
Im not much of a dancer but i have found that anyone can garba. The first few times you mite be confused and screw up the line (heh thats me every time) (if you do screw it up just blame it on others...) but its pretty fun once you get into it. Just make sure if your trying to talk to this girl try to get her to be your partner when you join in a garba line thing since you need a partner, that way you can talk to her all the way round... Overall its pretty fun, take a chance and see how it goes. Also for dress code, i suggest kakhis, comfy shoes, and a button up shirt. Good luck.

Yeah, I'm gonna go pick myself up some decent clothes tommorow!

She said she doesn't dance, but we'll see! (Hell I might even try to get her to dance with my no-rhythm-self) :Q

 

[thawolfman]

get on up!

 

[Jzero]

Go, have fun. My Indian friends have always been very open about clueing me in on their stuff. Like anyone else, they enjoy sharing their culture with people who are open-minded and interested.

And some of those ladies look slammin' in their traditional attire

 

[edro]

Indian chicks are hot...

 

[thawolfman]

Yeah, a lot of them are hot, but that's not the point here...

I'm pretty much going set on going, now I just need to get a nice shirt to wear...:Q

 

[illusion88]

The girls in the first pic are good looking. If you want the one on the left ill take the one on the right. You can ship her straight to my house. But is it ok if we go UPS ground? Im a little tight on cash you see...

ill PM you my shipping address.

 

[UNCjigga]

Hey so what's the 411 on the girl on the LEFT??? She looks like the Indian version of Kristen Kreuk or something... me likes!

 

[Spac3d]

Originally posted by: edro13
Indian chicks are hot...

:Q WTF are you talking about

 

[TubStain]

Haha I might be going to a garba this saturday too at a barn in Michigan!

I love garba, bhangra, raas. But then I'm South Asian... The dance is fun, the chicks are hot in their traditional attire, so it's some wonderful eye candy even if you dont dance.

Oh yeah, be careful with the sticks and dont stomp on anyones foot. The dance seems complicated, but once you get the hang of it, its pretty easy. Don't hit anyone on the knuckles (and protect your own) and you should do home having experienced a wonderful culture.

Have fun.

 

[Chiboy]

You should go just because you will have a very nice time. I have been to these & they are fun but then agian I can fit in easily

 

[lukatmyshu]

you really want to impress her learn how to dance BEFORE you get there. If you're doing raas then basically two parallel lines will form facing each other (this is where the whole partner thing comes in .... since you need an even number of dancers). You move around in a clockwise fashion SKIPPING a person each time you do a particular routing(this part is important). There are really only two different 'dances' you can do in raas. 12 step and 5 step. Before I explain the steps let me explain something called a '3-step first.' it's a pretty basic move in all indian dances so spend some time on it.
Now you have to do something called a '3 step.' Basically you hop on foot, and really quickly hop on the other and then hop back. The whole thing should take two beats. Be light on your toes and lift up your legs high. the first hop gets one beat, and the 2nd and 3rd are both done in span of one beat.
For 12 step the steps are as follows
1)3- Step left (starting with left-foot) hit your dandyas together on the left side of your partner
2) Alternate feet (step back with right) and hit behind your back
3) 3-Step right with left foot, hit dandyas on RIGHT side of partner
4) do step 2
5) 3-step (starting with your left foot) and move to the left of your partner (hitting your dandyas over your head or somewhere)
6) 3-step (starting with your right) and move to where your partner was (hit your dandyas)
7) 3-step (starting with your left) and move to your back right (since you are still facing forward this is the same direction you stepped in step 3) (hit dandyas)
8)3-Step back to your original space (hit dandyas)
9) Hit your right dandya with partners right dandyas (3-step in place)
10) Hit your left dandyas with your partners left dandyas (3-step in place)
11) Hit your dandyas together on your right side (3-step in place)
12) (long step) hit your dandyas against your partners again at the same time you are 3-step (with your left foot) to your left and spin in a complete circle (somehow do this 3-step in a way so that you make a counter-clockwise circle at the same time). Skip the person to the left of your partner, and end up with the person two people over (on the left side).
REPEAT 'TIL MARRIED.

I was going to explain 5 step .. but really I'm worn out now. Garba is really simple ... do EXACTLY what the person in front of you is doing. Follow the person in front of you. Move in a circle.
I know it sounds confusing, but with these instructions and perhaps a little refinement of technique I am sure you'll be the hit of the party. Sorry if it was at all confusing.

 

[thawolfman]

All I've got say about that is...wow!

She said that she didn't dance, so I'm HOPING that that will keep me from having to do any of this...It would be fun to learn, but I just don't think it's possible to get all that down by 9 tonight...Thanks though!

Off I go to look for a shirt...

-Ben-