Question 1

Do I need prior Indian dance experience for the Winter Intensive?

Accepted Answer

Four of the five sessions are open level — beginners and experienced dancers are equally welcome, and Swapnil teaches from first principles. Group Choreography on Saturday afternoon is the one session that asks for some dance experience.

Question 2

Can I attend just one session of the Indian Dance Winter Intensive?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every session can be booked on its own: 40 euro for the three-hour sessions (Bhangra and Jhoomar, Indian Semi-Classical, Group Choreography) and 35 euro for the two-and-a-half-hour sessions (Garba and Dandiya Raas, Khoriya). There are also three passes — Saturday at 75 euro, Sunday at 65 euro, and the full three-day pass at 160 euro for all five sessions.

Question 3

What should I wear and bring to the Indian Dance Winter Intensive?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable dancewear you can move in. On the dance floor: proper dance shoes, socks, or barefoot — no outside shoes. Bring a water bottle and a small towel. Sticks for Dandiya Raas are provided by Shoonya, so there is nothing else to bring.

Question 4

What is Khoriya?

Accepted Answer

Khoriya is the women's celebration dance of Haryana — strong, grounded footwork, swinging arms, and the joy of the village square. The session itself is open level and open to everyone.

Question 5

What is Garba and Dandiya Raas?

Accepted Answer

Garba is Gujarat's Navratri circle dance — light footwork, gentle claps, and the collective flow of the circle. The session covers where it comes from, what the music means and how to perform it together. Then the sticks come out for Dandiya Raas: two circles turn against each other and the dandiya strike on the beat.

Question 6

What happens in the Group Choreography session?

Accepted Answer

You learn a choreography, and you learn how one is built — formations, dynamics, structure, and what keeps a piece interesting from the first count to the last. It is set to Natarang Ubha, a Maharashtrian folk fusion. This is the one session that asks for some dance experience.

Question 7

Where is Shoonya Dance Centre and how do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Shoonya Dance Centre is at Stapelplein 41, 9000 Gent (Ghent), Belgium — a 10-minute walk from Gent-Dampoort station. Paid street parking is available nearby.

Indian Dance
Winter Intensive

The weekend, session by session.

Swapnil Dagliya

Come for one, stay for the weekend.

Ready to register?

Common questions.

Come and dance it.