Bollywood Dance Classes

Bollywood dance is based on traditional Hindi dance. Hindi dance dates back centuries such as classical Hindi dance and Northern Indian courtesans. Folk dance combined with Western influence results in the popularized dances of today. Even from the 1950's Hindi dance songs have been popular in India and beyond. These large group dances are excellent fun and excellent exercise which is why this style dance has also become a favorite for dance exercise videos. Even the group dances are very influenced by filmi, or film music. Group dances have very specific roles that need to be played as do the dance numbers in films from India.
Bollywood film dances and the dances that result in popular culture because of them are very influenced by Western culture. Blends often employ Broadway elements or MTV type elements. Usually classical and westernized styles are not mixed within the same film. Both styles are popular dances that are appreciated around the world. Dance schools and dance studios offer dance classes in these styles of dance. It may be impossible to achieve the dream sequence feeling of film dances, like spontaneous costume changes, it is fun to learn the Hindi style.

Bollywood style dances always feature an 'item girl'. An item girl is the very attractive lead female. She sings and dances in her 'item number' with a whole backdrop of item backup dancers and singers. If there is one thing you can count on in a Hindi piece, it is that it is big. These numbers have big groups, colorful costumes, fireworks, props, and are generally a show within a show. Several famous Indian choreographers have made their mark on the world with their amazing numbers. This amazing show of the best India has to offer hooks many into wanting to enjoy the same kind of dance.

Bollywood has created a whole new dance style that is loved all over the world. Classical Indian dance was portrayed in films, but the Eighties brought a whole new influence. The mixing of Western jazz, modern, Oriental, Hip Hop, and many more melded with classical style and a new dance style was born. Other elements from around the world influenced classical Indian dance as well such as Flamenco and Latin dance. Even gypsy influences have made their mark on Indian dance. Sometimes Indian costume is worn for dance pieces that have little or no Indian dance influence such as tap dance, Oriental, and Hip Hop.