Bollywood dance has gained popularity over the years and now it has become an international sensation. The Bollywood dance numbers are full of energy, elaborate dance moves, extravagant costumes, and lively music. The stars of Bollywood movies are their intricately choreographed dance numbers along with their masterful soundtracks. Over the years, Bollywood productions have managed to develop its very own style of dance and music that has become internationally recognized and praised for their uniqueness.

At the beginning of the Bollywood film era, the dance numbers were based solely on the Indian classical dance forms and folk dances. You could see a lot of influence from classical dances such as Bharat Natyam and Kathak in the earlier Bollywood movies. After the 60s, Bollywood dance started to go through an evolution process. Choreographers started to manage larger groups of dancers. Over the years, the style of dance started to change as it became influenced by other styles like the Cabaret style and Disco in the 70s, and Western styles of dance after the 80s. As a result of evolution, today, Bollywood dance is a fusion of many national and international styles of dance.

Styles of Bollywood Dancing

Bollywood dancing has a number of different forms. Here is a list of some of the key Bollywood dance styles:

• Classical Bollywood Dance – It is based firmly around funky folk rhythms and pounding beats. This traditional version of Bollywood dance sticks to old-school traditions with the sensual, gliding movements.
• Kathak Dance – This classical North Indian dance features fast footwork and quick spins. It is often accompanied by the live musicians and it may follow a narrative or story. Kathak performances usually follow a progression from the slow to faster tempos.
• Modern Bollywood Dance – Fusing traditional Bhangra folk rhythms with aspects of hip-hop, Latin and jazz dances, modern Bollywood dancing is a frantic and fun activity perfect for enjoying with friends or family members. Nowadays, this dance form is very trending.

Fitness Benefits of Bollywood Dance

Boosting coordination and rhythm – Bollywood dance requires participants to fully engage with the song and musical beats they are moving to. This develops the natural rhythm of the body, as well as its balance and coordination skills.

Developing aerobic exercise – Bollywood dance form is incredibly active and provides the body with some great aerobic exercise. It boosts the oxygen supply to key muscles and therefore improving muscular resistance over the time.

Toning the body – The outgoing and expressive musical beats of Bollywood dance music helps to get your body moving quickly. This is great for burning off the body calories and toning key muscle groups such as the calf muscles.

Relieving stress – Bollywood dancing provides a happy and fun version of the traditional and modern dance. As a result, it’s great for helping you forget your worries, with dance routines refreshing the mind.