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Bollywood and Bhangra Dance Workout in Atlanta

Dancing to Bollywood and Bhangra Music

Bollywood and Bhangra style dances are fast and involve jumping, dropping and rapid arm movements. In this class students will learn the basics of typical Bollywood and Bhangra style dancing moves, including frequently used steps, hand gestures, and head and eye movements. We will learn some high energy routines to happy, high energy music.

Compared to our Belly Dance classes, the Bollywood course is faster and more intense.

Salwah performing Bhangra

Nazeem Alsabah performing Bollywood/Bhangra style dance

History and Background Information on Bollywood and Bhangra dance

The term 'Bollywood' refers to India's film industry that is located in Mumbai (aka Bombay). Bollywood movies, like the old American musicals, feature big production numbers with lots of dancing and singing. The main plot of the movie is frequently interrupted when the main actors start to sing and dance, and everyone around them joins in. While Bollywood choreographies are based on classical Indian dances, including many regional folk dances, recent films are heavily influenced by modern dances such as hip hop and belly dance. Consequently, Bollywood dancing is the commercial name for modern Indian dancing. It evolved from combination of classical Indian dance and folk dancing such as Bhangra, and was merged with Latino and Arabic/belly dance style moves. It's fun and very expressive.

learn bhangra dancing in Atlanta
Nazeem Alsabah members performing a Bhangra Dance

One particular form of dance and music, Bhangra, has enjoyed tremendous international success. It is one of the most entertaining and energetic dances you'll see. Bhangra originally is the traditional folk dance and music of the Punjabi region in northwestern India. Originally a harvest dance from Punjab, it became popular in the 80s and 90s in Great Britain through immigrants, where it quickly merged with other music forms, with DJs melding the sounds of the sub-continent with hip hop beats and R&B. So today, this infectious dance form combines sheer energy and strength with complex group choreography and a keen attention to rhythm and melody.

bollywood style bhangra dance in Atlanta
Hadil and Zaynab performing Bollywood Style Dance

Attire

Loose workout clothes, thick socks or ballet slippers for footwear.
Open to all Levels of students, including absolute beginners.