Bollywood dance becomes mainstream.

In recent years, we have seen Bollywood dance appear in the United States on many popular television shows.  Prior to the July 2008 episode of So You Think You Can Dance which featured Bollywood for the first time on the show, most Americans had never even heard of it. Many saw it for the first time in the 2008 movie, Slumdog Millionaire. These shows have sparked the interest of the unique style of dance to many people in the United States, whether they have danced before or not. But, what exactly is Bollywood?

Bollywood is actually the largest film industry in India and gets its name from where it’s based in Mumbai, India (formerly Bombay).  So, where does the dance part come in? Well, the most distinguished characteristic of Indian movies is that they are mainly influenced by music. Dancing and singing are found throughout these films. There are typically several dances in each movie and each dance visually represents the meaning of the music in the films much like Broadway Musicals. Since the dancing is such a big part throughout the movies, the style just became known as Bollywood dance.

Many believe that Bollywood refers to the style of dance in India. But, that’s not the case.  There are actually several forms of dance in India including, but not limited to, Kathak and Bhangra with Bhangra being the form most closely related to Bollywood. However, Bollywood does have a lot of Western influences including hip-hop.

Bollywood quickly becoming all the rage in the United States probably has a lot to do with its upbeat, lively style and attractive, colorful costumes. It’s fun, erotic and playful and the choreography is intoxicating with its use of intricate hand movements and quick hip movements. The music and style will make you want to clap your hands and stomp your feet. It’s no wonder Bollywood has been featured numerous times on popular television shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, America’s Best Dance Crew, and America’s Got Talent.

You don’t have to be a professional dancer to enjoy the art of Bollywood dance. Hundreds of Bollywood dance studios have been popping up all over the United States recently and classes are even being offered at many local YMCAs.  Not only is it a fabulous workout (there’s a lot of jumping involved in the style), but it will  put you in a great mood! Most people that have taken Bollywood dance lessons have said they don’t even feel like they’re working out. It’s just simply fun!