Bollywood

What is Bollywood?

Bollywood refers to the Indian film industry based in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), known for its colorful, musical films. Bollywood dance is a central part of these films and combines traditional Indian dance styles with modern Western influences. This dance style is known for its lively movements, expressive gestures, and ability to tell stories through dance.

How to Dance Bollywood

Bollywood dance is a versatile and dynamic dance form that integrates elements from classical Indian dances such as Bharatanatyam and Kathak, folk styles like Bhangra, and modern Western dances like Hip-Hop and Jazz. To dance Bollywood, you need to capture the energy and joy this dance style conveys, focusing on rhythmic movements, expressive facial expressions, and flowing hand gestures.

Basic Steps of Bollywood

The basic steps of Bollywood dance are relatively simple and form the foundation for many choreographies. Here are some fundamental movements:

1. Thumka: A hip movement where you swing your hips to the side while slightly bending your knees.
2. Bhangra Step: A bouncing step where you lift your knees and move your arms rhythmically.
3. Chakrasana: A spinning movement where you turn on one leg while lifting the other.
4. Nazaakat: Elegant hand gestures often used in classical Indian dances.
5. Shimmy: A quick shoulder movement often found in modern Bollywood dances.

Top 10 Bollywood Songs

Music plays a crucial role in Bollywood dance. Here are some of the best songs perfect for this dance style:

1. "Jai Ho" - A. R. Rahman
2. "Chaiyya Chaiyya" - Sukhwinder Singh, Sapna Awasthi
3. "Sheila Ki Jawani" - Sunidhi Chauhan
4. "Munni Badnaam Hui" - Mamta Sharma
5. "Nagada Sang Dhol" - Shreya Ghoshal, Osman Mir
6. "Bole Chudiyan" - Amit Kumar, Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan
7. "London Thumakda" - Sonu Kakkar, Neha Kakkar, Labh Janjua
8. "Dhoom Machale" - Sunidhi Chauhan
9. "Ghagra" - Vishal Dadlani, Rekha Bhardwaj
10. "Galla Goodiyan" - Yashita Sharma, Manish Kumar Tipu, Farhan Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan, Sukhwinder Singh

Styles of Bollywood

Bollywood dance encompasses a variety of styles, which can vary depending on the film, choreographer, and region. Here are some of the main styles:

1. Classical Bollywood: Integrates classical Indian dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak.
2. Folk Bollywood: Includes traditional folk styles like Bhangra and Garba.
3. Modern Bollywood: Mixes Western dance styles like Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Contemporary.
4. Fusion Bollywood: A combination of different dance styles often used in international productions.

History of Bollywood

The history of Bollywood dance is closely tied to the development of the Indian film industry. In the early years of Indian cinema, the dances were heavily influenced by classical Indian dances and folk dances. Over time, choreographers began to integrate Western dance styles, leading to a unique and versatile dance form. Bollywood dance has evolved over the decades and is now a staple in the global dance scene.

Health Benefits of Bollywood

Dancing, especially Bollywood dance, offers numerous health benefits:

• Cardiovascular Fitness: The intense movements improve cardiovascular health.
• Muscle Strengthening: Bollywood dance strengthens leg, arm, and core muscles.
• Coordination and Balance: The complex steps and movements enhance body control and balance.
• Stress Relief: The joyful and lively dance helps reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
• Flexibility: The various movements and gestures in Bollywood dance increase body flexibility.

Outfit for Bollywood

The right outfit can significantly enhance your Bollywood dance experience. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect outfit:

• Men: Light, comfortable clothing like shirts and trousers that allow good freedom of movement. Dance shoes with smooth soles are ideal.
• Women: Flowing dresses or traditional Indian clothing like saris or lehengas that emphasize movements, along with comfortable dance shoes or barefoot.

Choosing an outfit should consider both comfort and style to create the best conditions for a successful dance.

Conclusion

Bollywood dance is more than just a dance; it is a colorful and joyful way to move and enjoy music. Whether you are an experienced dancer or just starting, Bollywood offers a wonderful opportunity to improve your dance skills and have fun.

If you are looking for a dance partner to master Bollywood, find your dance partner at Lets-Dance and start your dance adventure today!