Bollywood Dance: Healthy mix of music, dance and fitness!

By Sreekumar Raghavan

What draws huge crowds to theatres showing bollywood films across the world? It is an intelligent mixture of drama, love, songs, action, climax, superstars, sex and above all some good dance sequences influenced by the western and eastern styles.

Anupama Thampy, accomplished dnacer & trainer at Beats 'n' Steps________________________________________________________

For the same reason, bollywood dance is now being enjoyed by a large number of youngsters who want a change from the typical classical numbers or the liberal western styles.


According to Anupama Thampy, an accomplished classical and bollywood dancer, instructor at Beats ‘n’ Steps, a dance-fitness studio in South Kalamassery, Kochi, there are several reasons why Bollywood dance is appealing for the youth:

1)It’s a fusion of classical, semi classical, Indian folk, belly dance, hip hop, jazz and accompanying music is both eastern and contemporary

2)It’s so easy to learn for beginners

3) It’s fun and laughter
4) Choreographer controls the theme and mood of the song- it could be classical, semi-classical, western , fusion, traditional or sexy
5)It’s a great stress reliever due to the fun and entertainment involved in the songs and music

6)It burns calories faster and is ideal for body toning

7) Ideal for stage programmes too



Evolution of Bollywood dance

Anupama Thampy, equally at ease with contemporary, classical and bollywood!

Bollywood dancers can be at ease in both traditional saris and western wear
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Bollywood dance has evolved over the years since it became popular in movies in the 1950’s and 60’s with classical and semi-classical themes. The cabaret style shot into mainstream in the seventies and thereafter the free style dance became popular with actors such as Govinda developing their signature style.

No wonder, successful actors in Bollywood needed to be good dancers too.
So what’s stopping you, put on your dancing shoes and shed all your inhibitions. Listen to the music and what was the most recent hit movie: ABCD (Any Body Can Dance)!