Hurray for Bollywood

If National Dance Week got your blood pumping, consider heading over to Joy of Motion’s Bethesda Studios this Sunday afternoon for Hurray for BOLLYWOOD! The adult workshop class invites all levels and styles of dancers to come and explore Indian dance.

For those of you who haven’t had Dhoom on your Netflix queue lately, Bollywood refers to India’s enormous film industry; the dance-heavy movies, with frequently over-the-top plot lines, are often compared to old American musical comedies.

“Bollywood movies have an innocent optimism, an infectious charm and an unabashed sense of melodrama that paints the world in brighter colors,” said Dr. Laurel Victoria Gray, artistic director of Silk Road Dance Company.

If you show up for the workshop, you’ll get the chance to learn basic Bollywood dance techniques, from simple steps to hand gestures; those who have a little more experience can take a whirl at spins and turns. Fans of other dance styles will probably feel comfortable at the workshop, as there will be influences of jazz, hip-hop, Bhangra and belly dance. But Gray stressed that no experience is necessary and that everyone should feel comfortable attending.