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Dancing to the Exotic Style of Bollywood
http://www.dancescape.org/ezine/articles/3/1/Dancing-to-the-Exotic-Style-of-Bollywood/Page1.html
Vandana Alimchandani
Appreciation of Indian cinema is rapidly growing by all cultures; Indian songs are now played in clubs, bars and restaurants all over the world. Bollywood is trendy and it is inspiring the world! Vandana Alimchandani is the artistic director and instructor of 'Bollywood Grooves' in England. She teaches group and private classes with her partner, Anjali Wadhwani. Bollywood Grooves group classes are conducted at Dance works and GymBox, which offer a creative mixture of techniques but most of all it offers immense fun. Private lessons focus on poses, grace, hand movements and expression. The group has performed extensively at various functions including weddings, auditions and shows.  
By Vandana Alimchandani
Published on 01/2/2005
 

Bollywood GroovesIt’s a fact that Bollywood movies have become more mainstream in the last 3 years.  But this is only one aspect of the rising interest; when people see how expressive and upbeat the music and dancing is, they understand it is not just dancing – it’s a physical and creative form of exercise too. With more and more Indian inspired plays in central London, England and movie theatres filled with Bollywood inspired films & colourful Asian-influenced dances, "Bollywood Grooves" is taking East Indian dancing to new heights.


Bollywood Grooves Article 1

The massive popularity of Bollywood films in recent years has served as the catalyst for soaring numbers of students turning up for "Bollywood Grooves" dance classes.  When people see how expressive & upbeat the music and dancing is they can understand it is not just dancing – it’s a physical & creative form of exercise too.

Bollywood Grooves

As the first London based dance company, Bollywood Grooves has provided Bollywood & Bhangra weekly classes across central London for complete beginners to advanced levels for over four years.  The group has been courted by the national media and Sunday broadsheets, as well as frequent requests for charity and corporate events.

Bollywood dance classes begin with an Indian twist to western stretching exercises.  After which students move on to "Bhangra", a high-energy dance originating from North India.  Once totally warmed up, the rest of the class is a lively, choreographed routine to either Bollywood Pop/R&B (remixes) or latest Bollywood Movie tunes.

Bollywood and Indian culture is not just limited to those with East Indian heritage.  The mix of students and information exchange ensures that both Indian and Non-Indian participants understand and appreciate the cultural and historical background to the dance styles that they learn.