When the words “Bollywood dance class” first popped into my mind, I’ll admit, a wave of skepticism washed over me. Having grown up in an Indian household, with childhood memories filled with the rigorous training of Bharatanatyam, I pictured a class diluted for Western tastes, perhaps even bordering on inauthentic. My early dance education involved precise hand gestures and the rhythmic pounding of heels, a far cry from what I imagined a typical Bollywood class to be. I braced myself for trendy workout gear, a non-Indian instructor, and maybe even that Coldplay-Beyoncé song that, let’s be honest, felt a bit culturally appropriative.
However, stepping into Bollywood Bhangra Beats shattered every single one of my preconceived notions. Instead of the expected scene of watered-down Indian dance, I was introduced to Achinta S. McDaniel, the dynamic founder and artistic director of Blue13 Dance Company – a Bollywood choreographer with impressive credentials spanning television and Bollywood films. From the moment the class began, I was transported to the joyous chaos of a traditional Indian wedding, where enthusiastic participation is mandatory, and everyone is encouraged to throw their arms up and move to the infectious rhythm.
McDaniel acknowledged that my initial hesitations weren’t entirely unfounded. Just as there are imitation versions of many fitness and cultural practices, the world of Bollywood Dance Classes isn’t immune to inauthenticity. She expressed a humorous understanding of well-intentioned but misguided attempts, while also highlighting the fine line between appreciation and appropriation.
McDaniel teaches a group; Credit: Ford Theatres
“It’s concerning when instructors decide to teach Bollywood choreography with absolutely no prior training or understanding of the dance form. It can feel like it diminishes the art, suggesting that ‘anyone can do Bollywood’,” McDaniel explained. She elaborated on the issue of disrespect and cultural appropriation when inexperienced individuals, from children’s competition choreographers to gym fitness instructors, decide to lead “Bollywood classes” without proper background.
My Bollywood Bhangra Beats class took place at Downtown Dance and Movement, a stunning and modern studio. The spacious and well-designed environment added to the positive experience. However, a word of advice: if you’re attending a class on a night coinciding with a major event, like a Kings game, allow extra time for parking!
One of the most striking parallels between McDaniel’s class and an authentic Indian wedding was the pressure-free environment. Indian weddings are notorious for pulling everyone onto the dance floor, regardless of skill or comfort level. Similarly, McDaniel fostered an atmosphere where mistakes were welcomed, and the emphasis was on joyful movement and participation, echoing the encouraging spirit of my cousins dragging me to the dance floor at family weddings.
This Bollywood dance class was as much about embracing the theatricality as it was about mastering steps. Bollywood films are known for their dramatic storytelling, often in an exaggerated, escapist style. Unlike Western cinema that often prizes realism, Bollywood embraces song, dance, and stylized expressions. The class perfectly captured this Bollywood movie essence.
“What kind of outfits are we picturing in this scene?” McDaniel would ask, as we moved onto the next segment of choreography. “Maybe flowing gowns? Peach or lavender tones?” She’d glance at us, seeking our input. “Peach, I think.” Given McDaniel’s experience teaching Bollywood moves to the cast of the sitcom New Girl, her imaginative wardrobe suggestions were readily accepted.
Bollywood dance is characterized by expansive, expressive movements, requiring you to extend your body in exuberant ways. There’s no room for restraint. The animated and bouncy nature of the dance style is inherently uplifting, making it hard not to smile. I found myself sporting a slightly bewildered yet happy grin, as coordinating the cheerful expressions with the dance steps proved to be delightfully challenging.
Whenever the choreography became complex, McDaniel skillfully broke it down into manageable parts. “Right arm up, like you’re hailing a taxi! Again! Now, fold your arms like an airplane seatbelt, and push down.” With these vivid cues, we quickly grasped the movements.
“Taxi! Taxi! Seatbelt! Seatbelt!” We mimicked hailing taxis and fastening seatbelts while gliding (and sometimes stumbling) across the floor, executing our Bollywood-style two-step. We looped back to the beginning, initiating the dance with bouncy footwork and rotating wrists, thumbs up to the side.
McDaniel’s enthusiastic encouragement soared above the Bollywood music, her vocal energy seemingly limitless. “GIMME FACE!” she’d shout. “SMILE! I’m so proud of you all!” The energy of the class could be perfectly summarized by a dancing lady emoji, followed by a string of exclamation points, and that slightly bewildered but joyful smiley face.
McDaniel teaches a group; Credit: Ford Theatres
Bollywood, McDaniel explained when I inquired about the constant emphasis on “giving face,” is about “releasing inhibitions, embracing laughter throughout the class, putting on a ‘mask’ and embodying a Bollywood movie star.” The dance style leans more towards playful flirtation and allure than overt sexuality. It demands a degree of vulnerability, requiring you to move your shoulders, hips, and feet in unfamiliar ways. Yet, surprisingly, it felt liberating rather than uncomfortable.
The rise of Bollywood culture in Los Angeles is a relatively recent phenomenon. McDaniel noted that just a decade prior, accessible Bollywood or Bhangra classes were virtually nonexistent in LA, or even in New York where she previously lived. While cultural events hosted by student groups, families, and temples featured Bollywood dance, there weren’t classes readily available to the wider LA community, especially those unfamiliar with Indian culture. This is why, almost ten years ago, McDaniel initiated a class designed to resonate with dance studios and students from all backgrounds and skill levels.
“I launched Bollywood Bhangra Beats at Swerve on West Third Street, and it became incredibly popular. So much so that I trademarked the name and rapidly expanded to teach the class across studios throughout the city,” she shared.
According to McDaniel and Linda Valentino, owner of Downtown Dance and Movement, the Bollywood dance community is remarkably diverse within the LA dance scene. This inclusivity is reflective of the welcoming and hospitable nature often associated with Indian culture. While such overt friendliness might feel excessive in other contexts, in the realm of Hollywood Bollywood, it feels refreshingly authentic.
Blue13 Dance Company offers Bollywood dance classes in various locations including Hollywood, North Hollywood, Culver City, Pasadena, and downtown; explore more at bluedance13.com.
Why Choose Bollywood Dance Classes?
Bollywood dance classes offer a unique blend of benefits, making them an appealing choice for a wide range of individuals:
- Fun and Engaging Workout: Forget monotonous gym routines! Bollywood dance is a high-energy, full-body workout that doesn’t feel like exercise. The infectious music and dynamic movements make it genuinely enjoyable.
- Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Bollywood cinema and Indian dance traditions. Learn about storytelling through movement and expression.
- Stress Relief and Mood Booster: The expressive and joyful nature of Bollywood dance is a fantastic way to release stress and improve your mood. Let loose, laugh, and dance your worries away.
- Improved Coordination and Flexibility: Bollywood dance engages various muscle groups, enhancing coordination, flexibility, and rhythm.
- Welcoming Community: Experience the inclusive and supportive atmosphere of the Bollywood dance community, often praised for its diversity and warmth.
If you’re looking for a dance class that’s both a fantastic workout and a cultural adventure, look no further than Bollywood dance classes. Unleash your inner Bollywood star and prepare to be swept away by the rhythm, energy, and sheer joy of this captivating dance form.
