BDI-International Magazine - Inaugural Issue

What is Bollywood dance?
Bollywood dance is a fusion of classical
and folk dances from India, enriched with
around the world dances like Belly dance,
hip-hop, jazz, Latin rhythms and funk.
Bollywood is the name given to the film
industry in India, and it is a play on words
of Bombay, nowadays Mumbai, and
Hollywood. Bollywood films are rich in
music and choreographies, which give
birth to the practice of this discipline.
Among the Indian dances that are
compiled in modern Bollywood there
are classical dance forms like
Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak,
kuchipudi, Mohiniyatam, Khatakali, and
Manipuri, each one with its unique style.
Bhangra is one of the folk component
variation. This dance has its origins in
the Punjab, in the north of India. It has
more aerobic implication thanks to its
jumps, hops, and masculine movements
than other dance forms.
A fitness practice
As a fitness practice, dancing Bollywood
has many benefits. As an aerobic workout,
it strengthens cardiovascular and
pulmonary systems, reduces ldl
cholesterol and stimulates the increase of
hdl cholesterol levels. It also a way to burn
calories. Studies reveal that dancing for
half an hour enable a reduction of 200 to
400 calories. This practice increases
circulation to all parts of the body,
restoring natural vitality to the body. In
addition, it brings flexibility, strength and
resistance, preventing injuries in
everyday life.
It´s not only movement
As from the mental and emotional point
of view, this practice activates mind and
generates new neural connections. The
use and combination of hand gestures,
and head and eye movements challenge
coordination and dissociation abilities.
According to Soledad Zitelli, director of
Eme Bollywood Dance, the practice of
Bollywood dance includes the building
and performing of new choreographies.
Each class is an opportunity to enrich
human social skills, express emotions and
artistic potential when interpreting
characters and situations, not to mention
the fact that in this way it is possible to
process feelings that are complex to deal
with. People not only learn steps and
techniques but also have to understand
the meaning of each movement, and the
stories told in the song. (Soledad
Zitelli, personal communication, 4th
November 2019).
In a way, the classical component of
Bollywood dance nourishes these new
choreographic compositions through
movements, poses, turns, twirls, and
mainly with its particular expressiveness.
Each hand gesture, called Hastas in
classical Indian dance, has a particular
meaning and expresses meaning and
emotion in a dance piece. In fact, hastas,
eyes and body movements carry performer
towards the expression of a special
meaning. They have their source in Vedic
writings, where Abhinaya, known as the
art of expressiveness, is the key to
interpretation. Abhinaya conceives nine
basic emotions or states of mind, called
Navarasas. To each Rasa corresponds a
particular Bhava or feeling. Each specific
facial and body movement express an
emotion. In Bollywood dance, it is
important to choose an interpretive style.
The latter is determined mainly by digging
into the meaning of the song, it is to say
what story it tells, and who the characters
are. The selection of mudras and rasas
vary depending on the core meaning.
However, it is also very important to listen
to the music and feel what emotions and
movements it inspires. (Soledad Zitelli,
personal communication, 4th November
2014). Although apparently complex, a
Bollywood dance session provides an
opportunity to express yourself, it gives
tools to manifest feelings and emotions.
Catchy melodies and activating rhythms
make your body feel alive, joyful,
and lighter.
Besides liberating, these classes help
keeping a healthy and active body.
What to expect in a Bollywood
dance class?
As in any other workout, the class session
includes a warm up, a dance routine and
cooling down.Warm up prepares joints
and muscles and conditions the body for
the activity. After that, in a unique
atmosphere, instructors lead interpretative
choreographies following Bollywood
steps and styling mixed with influences
from other cultures and modern dances.
You learn the key concepts of Bollywood
songs, capture their traditional meanings
in dance routines, and choreographies.
Dance moves are inspired by the aesthetics
of the theme chosen. They range from
slow, soft sliding movements, like the basic
step of Bollywood dance, to fast and
energetic steps, like Bhangra steps, many
times fused with Hip Hop moves. Indeed,
you are burning calories and improving
your cardiovascular health. And at the
same time relieving from stress and
worries! Finally, a cool down routine,
relaxes your body and brings to normal
heart rate, breathing and flexibility.
Bollywood dance is globally blooming
and renewing, it is always incorporating
new techniques and dance forms.
Everyone can enjoy this practice, no
matter age, gender, dance experience or
reason to practice it. Lessons may range
from specific Indian classical dance forms
to basic steps in Bollywood dance, and
Bollywood workout lessons!
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