Bollywood dance is an important part of Bollywood Cinema; whip cream on top of hot chocolate. It is a fusion of world dance styles that is enhanced with the flavor, beauty and grace of the various Indian classical dance forms. A true blend of traditional and modern, these musical interludes say a lot. Past and present come together into one colorful play of thought as music and dance spice up melodramatic moments, adding zest to the masala mix.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BOLLYWOOD DANCE?
There are many different poses and postures in this dance style. These different kinds of body movement, known as karanas, help in improving body balance. As one dances to ethnic tunes, there is simultaneous movements of the limbs, with the eyes following the hands. “Where the hands go,there the glances follow; where the glances go, the mind follows; where the mind goes the mood follows and where the mood is there is rasa or flavor”.
hus with this dance form you improve posture, increase balance and enhance coordination. In Bollywood dance, poetry comes out of hands that have a life of their own. You sharpen your concentration skills as you try to recall the different hand symbols (mudras) along with the karanas. Remembering the different steps, their names and synchronizing them with the song increases mental alertness, making it invigorating and refreshing.
WHAT ELSE ADDS TO THE THRILL?
Bollywood dance is a fun outlet where you increase spatial awareness, increase flexibility and enhance blood flow. Improved muscle tone and increased bone density are some more side benefits as you delve into this whole body experience.
Bollywood dance is a creative outlet that helps you relax. It relieves tension by triggering endorphin release. Endorphins are chemicals that are secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. They lead to feelings of euphoria and well being and resemble opiates in their ability to produce analgesia. Hence, they act as natural pain relievers.
Thus, this dance form provides the three components of any well rounded fitness program: stretch, resistance training, and aerobics. It is like yoga in motion. Bollywood dance increases energy flow in your body while utilizing mind, body and spirit.
BUT HOW DOES IT DO THIS?
During dance, mind and body communicate with each other. Movement works at the level of sensation/ perception. It helps us tap into emotions that are laden in images. As self reflection occurs these images lead to awareness.
Once awareness happens, it is as though everything falls apart. But once you put the pieces together, you create a new sense of identity. You let go of previous patterns of thinking and are able to move forward instead of staying stuck in one frame of mind. Your new sense of identity leads to new behavior and you open a layer inside you. That is what dance does, especially the Indian classical dance forms.
As this occurs, a cleansing or purification occurs. It’s like you have the key to health. Body, mind and spirit are no longer locked into one position. You let go, allowing yourself to experience a free flowing state. Everything gets released. Emotions get acknowledged, and physical symptoms come out into the open. There are many case studies identify this as a prime example of the mind body link and are the beginnings of what you call “Dance Therapy”.
In Bollywood dance, inner feeling self and outer physical self interact to increase self awareness. Whether it’s in a solo, duet or group environment these inner and outer selves work together to fulfill their mutual needs. In this way one achieves harmony or balance. It is through this harmonious or peaceful state of mind that one can express oneself and let one’s spirit shine.
So there is more to the surface to this dance form than what one might think. Along with being fun, this dance form is therapeutic. True connections and fulfilling relationships are created through this art form. Bollywood dance increases social interaction and promotes self confidence.
For adolescents this leads to decreased susceptibility to peer pressure. Dance reduces harmful behavior such as teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse and creates healthier attitudes towards these and other related subjects. A healthier, more positive attitude towards life is the result.
Bollywood dance does not require any special equipment or skill. All that is needed is an active imagination along with a curiosity to explore another culture. Tell your tale through movement and share it with others. There are many benefits to this dance form.
As an integral part of Indian cinema, Bollywood dance adds to the masala mix.
It really is an exotic blend of spices consisting of diverse movements and ethnic flair. A true fusion of east and west, the sizzling nature of our dances combines universal dance steps with a touch of Bollywood hands and eyes. Add colorful costumes to the mix and we have something that everyone can indulge in.
High energy, sensuality and gracefulness are what this dance form is all about. The rhythmic sounds and high intensity choreography is a true way to get an authentic taste of India. Bollywood dance leaves everyone with something that they can savor and not only that…the flavors remain with you for a while.
