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How to dance like indian


How to Learn Indian Dance

Once you have felt the Indian dust, you will never be free of it. - Rumer Godden

While contemporary dance, classical dance and ballet are dance students' bread and butter, many people are opting to embrace other cultures with Asian dance lessons. Bollywood remains one of the most widely-recognised styles of dance: to develop a dancer's sensuality and stage presence, it can't be beaten!

So, find out how to dance like you're in India now!

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What Are Indian Dance Styles?

Practising Indian dancing is first and foremost about discovering the great history of India, even Indian mythology!

Indian dance dates back to the 2nd century BC. Learn a traditional Indian dance with Bollywood lessons! Source: Visual Hunt

Relatively unknown in the UK, Indian dance is extremely popular in Asia.

According to Hindu mythology, dance is a creation by the god Brahma: this art form most likely appeared in the 2nd century BC, according to mythological texts.

Dance in India was an indispensable element of social, aesthetic, artistic and cultural life.

Nevertheless, the most famous form of Indian dance, "Bollywood" dance, remains quite a recent development, originating from Indian cinema. This style of dance is incredibly popular in Asia, similar to Hollywood in America.

As a general rule, Indian dance is synonymous with Indian theatre: dance is performed to a story, either told or implied, and some dancers even use mimes to express their story better!

Dance is an art that is an integral part of Indian culture and folklore. Many Indian classical dances have developed over the years specifically for special occasions such as weddings, celebrations and religious ceremonies.

There is no single Indian dance: this art varies according to its geographical and cultural origin!

To learn Indian dance and become passionate about dance, it is essential to review the customs of the subcontinent: Indian culture is indeed a major asset to teach Indian dance or even become a real pro at forms of Asian dance.

Leave your cowboy hat and boots in the wardrobe, this dance isn't the same as country western dancing!

Discover different toddler dance classes near me on Superprof.

Different Types of Indian Dance

Before starting Indian dance classes, you still have to choose the right style!

Some styles of Indian dancing are more playful while others are more melancholic. Source: Visual Hunt

Indeed, there isn't just one type of Indian dance but rather several styles of dancing. Northern and Southern India draw on their regional history to create popular cultural dances among the Indian people.

The variations of Indian dancing usually have similar elements, although the dance steps are different: some dances are performed either to a slow or fast tempo, solo or in groups or with traditional or more modern themes.

In India, dance is primarily a means of communication through both the body, but also the eyes or facial expressions!

A short, non-exhaustive list of dance styles from India:

  • Kathak,
  • Ossidi,
  • Manipuri,
  • Kuchipudi,
  • Bharatanatyam,
  • Sattriya,
  • Dandiya,
  • Kalbelia,
  • Ghoomar,
  • Indian classical dance,
  • Bollywood,
  • Bihu.

Although oriental dance is primarily associated with the countries of North Africa, Indian belly dancing also exists!

Whether traditional or contemporary, there is something for everyone with Indian dance: the method of teaching, the Indian music used and the pace of the dance are all criteria to be taken into account when making your mind up.

The best way is to attend a trial lesson to try out several Indian dances before enrolling in a class. This first lesson will also help determine the student's expectations and help them choose the class best suited to their budget (dance training, couples dancing, one-off lessons, etc.).

In the US, there are also different dance styles: madison is one of them.

Looking for dance classes near you? Check Superprof now.

Learn Bollywood Dance with a Teacher

Find an Indian dance Choreographer

Do you want to work on your dance moves and musical improvisation? Why not learn Indian dancing with a dance instructor at home?

Who better than an experienced Bollywood choreographer to teach you to dance so you can show off your dance moves to family or friends? Source: Visual Hunt

To become a professional dancer or Bollywood dancer or even to star in a dance show, nothing beats homeschooling. In private lessons, students are introduced to dance by learning the basics of Indian dance such as Maahi Ve or Chaiyya Chaiyya.

How to find an Indian choreographer:

  • Through word of mouth at a dance class or school,
  • Find a Bollywood teacher through physical ads,
  • Find a Bollywood teacher through online classifieds,
  • Take Indian dance classes online,
  • Hire an Indian dance teacher through a private tutoring agency, etc.

With Superprof, Indian dance classes cost around £20 for a one hour lesson!

It's easy to get discounted rates for group classes, intensive dance classes, or weekly dance lessons. Indian dance lessons are suitable for all levels: just take a look at our Superprof dance instructor profiles to check their availability and the conditions of the lesson.

Go from beginner to advanced level with private Bollywood lessons!

To discover another style of dance, why not try African dance?

Take classes at an Indian Dance School

Indian dance classes at a dance school are the perfect way to progress quickly and learn a dance routine in just a few sessions!

For exercise, a love of music or desire to learn, there are different types of Indian dance classes to suit everyone. Indian dance can be enjoyed by the whole family. There are dance classes for children and teenagers as well as adult dance classes (classes for couples) and even senior classes!

Here are some dance centres where you can learn Indian dance in the UK:

  • Annapurna Indian Dance in Halifax,
  • ABCD Bollywood Dance School in Chelmsford,
  • Nachle Bollywood Dance School in Basildon,
  • Bollywood Dance Worldwide in Reading,
  • Dance n' Beats Bollywood Dance Academy in Drayton,
  • Absolute Bollywood, London
  • Bollywood Vibes in London,
  • Karan's Bollywood Masterclass in Harrow,
  • Dance Ihayami in Edinburgh,
  • Nandanam School of Dance in Aberdeen,

For those on a tighter budget, we recommend that you inquire at your local or regional cultural centre. Indeed, these centres, funded by the region, offer discounted rates.

Perfect for taking Indian dance classes at an affordable price!

From Indian dance to oriental dance, they aren't worlds apart.

Teach Yourself Indian Dance

Videos for Learning Indian Dance

In the age of the Internet, why not take advantage of vast digital resources at your disposal to learn Bollywood dance moves (and online Zumba classes)?

Even though to real progress quickly in dance we recommend that you take dance classes in person (London or across the UK), it is still possible to grasp the basics of Indian dance through a comprehensive video library of dance lessons.

These videos, freely available on the web, allow you to take online Indian dance lessons for children or for more advanced levels.

Discover the most popular Indian dance youtubers:

  • RSU Dance Company,
  • Bollywood Dance,
  • Columbia Missouri,
  • Good Indian Girl Videos,
  • Pop Sugar Fitness,
  • Dance with Abby,
  • Devesh Mirchandani,
  • Manpreet Toor,
  • Lasya Dance,
  • Akshay Yogesh Bhosale,
  • Bharat Yoga, etc.

Remember: videos available for free on Youtube are recommended for beginners, but don't let you improve your Indian dance moves that well.

Bollywood videos are perfect for in between traditional dance lessons, but do not replace face-to-face instruction from a native dance teacher!

Just like Irish dancing, it's possible to find tutorials online.

Apps for Learning Bollywood Dance

Being able to work on your dance steps with your smartphone: that's the dream, right?

Techniques, advice and videos: apps are your best friend when it comes to teaching yourself Bollywood dance! Source: Visual Hunt

Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi or Bharatnatyam: educational apps offer Indian dance classes for all styles and levels of dance. The apps offer both modern as well as traditional dances from different parts of India.

Some free apps even contain Sanskrit recitations so you can really immerse yourself in the language and culture of India!

Here are some recommended apps for learning to dance like a native:

  • Indian Classical Dance,
  • Indian Wedding Dance,
  • Indian Dance Choreography,
  • Bollyshake,
  • Bollywood Dance Workout,
  • Khatakali Hindi Dance,
  • India Folk Dance,
  • Bollywood Punjabi,
  • Hindi Dance Tutorials,
  • Bollywood Dance Fitness, etc.

For your smartphone or tablet, there are also apps specifically dedicated to traditional Indian songs.

The Bollywood enthusiast can teach themselves all the basics of Indian dance with the help of the Internet!

Even better, learning through apps allows you to broaden your musical horizons and even adapt the choreography to suit you: perfect for creating your own tailor-made dance routines!

So, put your Sari on and start learning some Indian dance moves today!

Remember to check our platform to find a dance instructor for Indian dance, Spanish dance or even Zumba class!

Now you know all you can about learning Indian dancing, you no longer need to trawl the Internet for 'dance classes near me'! Whether it's dance classes glasgow, dance classes London or dance classes Leeds you're after, you know where to look!

Find interesting hip hop dance classes here on Superprof.

Learn Indian Dance with Ease and Fun

African dances and their contemporary dance styles from Europe, like Ballet, the leg-drumming dance of Ireland, and the colourful dance from Spain used to be the popular dances — at least than the Oriental belly-dancing and the Bollywood dance. But with the explosion of transcontinental media, Indian dancing — especially — has gained traction and many Nigerian lovers.

Loved more by men, danced more by women, Indian dance moves are popular for their sensuality and magnetism. Many Nigerian young women have since found them to be a handy hymeneal skill. In fact, Bollywood dance costumes now find use at weddings, hen nights, and some other social events in Nigeria.

So, let’s dive into the world of Bollywood dance and see how you can learn to pull some moves. But, hey! I hope you like Indian music too?

The best Dance tutors available

Let's go

Explore Indian Dance Styles

Bollywood Dance history

Dancing in India is a cultural object. It is a prime aspect of the Indian culture that dates back to many centuries ago. If you have watched a couple of  Bollywood movies, you would know that not a scene passes without some body-twirls and shakes. Maybe quite exaggerated, but the point is: dance just like music, in India, remains a traditional item of social unity, cultural heritage, romantic beauty, and entertainment.

Indians consider dancing to be an ancient part of their culture and so every child starts learning to dance from childhood. Source: Unsplash

The popularity of Indian dance styles extends throughout South Asia, and it is beginning to reach Europe and Africa. The translocation of Indian dances has become possible with the wider reception of Indian cinema. That is why Bollywood dance is by far the most popular of the Indian dances, even despite its new entry.

A key feature of Indian dancing is its strong ability to express emotions and meanings. Movies like Mohenjo Daro, a 2016 film on revolution, and Happy New Year, a 2014 movie on revenge successfully sold the idea that Indian traditional dance and Bollywood dance can be tools of expression and change.

Another excitement with Bollywood dance is its close connection with other aspects of the Indian culture, i.e music and drama. Like it is in many African societies, dance has grown to become a key part of different social functions in India. From marital events to life celebrations and even religious occasions, you will find the use of dance in many aspects of India's social sphere.

Indian dance is just the umbrella name. Indian dance forms vary from location to location according to local traditions!

Learning to gain sufficient mastery at Indian dance moves requires a complete exploration of the Indian culture itself, as Indian dancing cannot be separated from the culture. Understanding the Indian culture can help you to understand the expressions summarised in some dance moves and make your execution finer and easier.

Indian traditional dance may seem similar to the Spanish flamenco in its use of beautiful Bollywood dance costumes, but trust me, the Leopard is different from the Jaguar even when they both have spots.

Find other dance classes in Ikeja here on Superprof.

The Different Indian Dance Forms

Your first task after deciding to take classes on Indian dance styles will be choosing the most appropriate style for you.

Like earlier mentioned, there are different styles of Indian dance, each with its unique sprinkles of local flavour. But even with the variations, many of the styles have common elements and ideas. The differences are in the tempo of body movements, footwork, and whether to be danced solo or as a group. There is also the difference of 'time'. Is it the Indian traditional dance or the new hybrid styles?

Deciding what style to learn is important in setting your Indian dance journey on the right course. You will always find your choice. Source: Unsplash

But irrespective of whichever dance style you choose, be prepared to learn how to be expressive with your body, your face, and even your eyes. It is a complete drama course just like it is with African dances.

Here is a list of some Indian dance styles.

  • Sattriya dance
  • Kathakali
  • Gidda
  • Mohiniyattam
  • Garba
  • Lavani
  • Rouf
  • Bihu
  • Manipuri
  • Odissi
  • Ghoomar
  • Chhau
  • Bollywood

As an extra sauce, women in India have their version of belly-dancing too. Learning Indian dance moves can give you a blend of both. Your interests should lead you in deciding which style to stick to. You should also consider the complexity of the moves, the kind of music, and the uses of the dance before you make up your mind. Nonetheless, be confident that you will find a suitable dance form for you.

To make your task easy, you can decide to watch an introductory video on the different Indian dance styles. You will surely find a lot of them on YouTube. A better option will be to hire a private home tutor on a knowledge-sharing platform like Superprof. Most of their tutors offer a free first lesson. With that trial class, your tutor can guide you on the best dance style for you and create a teaching method that will give you optimum results.

You might not get the right tutor if you keep typing ‘Bollywood dance classes near me’ on Google. If, in fact, Google suggests classes or tutors for you, you will miss out on personalised benefits that you can get with instructors on a top-ranked site like Superprof. So, you see. There can be no better option!

Check out these dance styles around the world that could make you an international figure in dancing.

Learn Bollywood Dance Moves with a Dance Instructor

Get an Indian terpsichorean to teach you the art

If you are interested in Bollywood dance and would love to master the cultural beauty, you should consider getting an experienced Indian dancer as your home instructor.

Taking dance classes at home provides sufficient attention and personalisation that will keep your learning curve upshooting. Quite ideal if you intend to pick a career in world dancing, become a reputed non-native Indian dancer, or have dreams of participating in international dance tourneys.

Find other dance lessons online here on Superprof.

Like every other dance, the best way to learn Indian dance is through in-person classes with a dance instructor. Watch your tutor do it live, get to ask questions, and receive professional supervision. Source: Pixabay

With private dance classes, students can get to learn right from the fundamentals up to mastery at their own learning pace and under a professional eye.

How can I get an Indian dance instructor?

  • Through referrals, reviews, or recommendation from dance groups and communities,
  • Learn via the YouTube channel of a Bollywood dance instructor,
  • Find a teacher through banner ads,
  • Travel to Indian for work/study and get an instructor,
  • Hire a professional Indian dance instructor through a tutoring agency, etc.

Superprof Nigeria is a trusted private tutoring outfit where you can, at budget-friendly prices, get the best dancers who love teaching and have developed effective teaching strategies. Superprof creates a dashboard for each tutor where prospective students can read about the instructor, his/her methodology, services, and competencies, and even reviews from past students. It runs a system based on transparency and excellence. You can even work a discount with your tutor depending on the frequency of classes.

Grab the hand of any of the profiled Indian dance instructors on Superprof and start your journey to Indian dancing. Or you may even want to learn just the Oriental belly-dancing. There is a tutor for everyone.

Learn Indian Dance Forms On Your Own

Explore video learning for Bollywood Dance

With the many e-learning opportunities that exist, you will find more than enough learning resources on the internet to kick-start your Indian dancing adventure. It will, however, be specious to claim that you will progress as quickly as you would with in-person dance classes when you solely learn through videos. But, of course, consistently following dance training videos from popular Indian dancers can give you a solid grasp of the basics of your chosen Indian dance style.

You can find such free videos online by checking websites on Indian culture and lifestyle. Additionally, there are YouTube channels owned by professional Indian dancers that offer free dance lessons that can make you a better Indian dancer.

Here is a list of some Bollywood dance YouTubers for your use:

  • Team Naach
  • Dancercise Studio
  • Devesh Mirchandani
  • Aadil Khan
  • Poonam and Priyanka
  • Melvin Louis
  • BFunk
  • Dhanashree Verma
  • Kruti Mahesh’s Kruti Dance Academy
  • Manpreet Toor
  • LiveToDance with Sonali
  • The Dance Mafia

Be reminded that these free channels are not a replacement for private home dance classes.  They can only provide the basics for you as a beginner and, perhaps, give you dance ideas if you are an intermediate level dance student.

If you are concerned about progressing fast or becoming a professional dancer yourself, you will need a private tutor.

There is nothing wrong with adding the western ballet dance to your 'to-learn' list. It is worthwhile!

Apps for Learning Indian Dancing

Can I pick some Bollywood dance moves right from smartphone apps? Gladly, yes!

Another self-help method in learning the different Indian dance styles is via Indian dance apps that have been creatively designed for self-learning. Even beyond learning Gidda, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, or whatever style you may have decided upon, many of these dance apps — except those specifically for Indian dances — offer fun guide and resources into learning many genres of dance, i.e Ballet, Salsa, Hip-hop, and Step dance.

Again, these apps are free! While some dance apps can serve as your dance buddy, providing you with sample workouts, real guide, and routine to mastering your desired dance, other dance apps provide you access to a large library of digital resources for your dance pursuit. With dance apps, learning Bollywood dance can be more fun and easier. But trust me, they serve best as a complement to your private dance lessons. Like learning through video learning, they are no replacements for physical dance classes.

Consider this list of dance apps that can be your pocket dance guide/buddy:

  • Bharatanatyam Dance Steps
  • Bollywood Dance
  • Dance Fit Studio Lite
  • Learn to Dance Bollywood
  • Dancy
  • Bollyshake
  • Dance with Madhuri
  • Learn Bhangra

One other great benefit of dance apps is the access they give for users to join virtual dance communities and network with other dancers around the world. They also provide good choreography ideas and are a great source of entertainment.

So, now that you have your options, what is stopping you from becoming the Nigerian Mohini?

 

 

American Indian dances Online publication "Elements of Dance"

Once every two years, the US capital becomes a haven for the largest national holiday, where you can meet representatives of almost all Indian tribes in America and Canada. The celebration, held in Washington since the late 19th century, is an important event in the life of the indigenous population of the country, which allows preserving ancient cultural traditions intact, sharing them with everyone, and dispelling the stereotypes that have developed among the majority. nine0003 Not savages, but a people with a multifaceted and original culture, modern American Indians honor their ancestors and carry over from century to century unshakable values, which are especially clearly reflected in song and dance art.


The surroundings are impressive!
Fringes, feather headdresses, an abundance of bright colors, energetic movements, traditional drums - American Indian dances are easily recognizable. They are always symbolic, representing a kind of spiritual practice, through which connections are established between a person and the environment, the forces of nature. nine0004

By the way, according to the Indians themselves, the best drum is obtained by pulling a deer or elk skin over a hardwood frame. 6-8 men can sit around the large round drum, beating the rhythm and performing a tribal song. The dancers, more often one or two, depict the moments of the hunt, something consonant with the lyrics of the song or traditional dance moves. In their hands you can often see a small battle hatchet (the same tomahawk ) or a bow. Everything is as if centuries have not passed. nine0004

In suits - the dominance of fighting spirit
One of the most impressive details of the man's costume is a chic fan made of painted feathers of birds of prey, most often eagles. The fan is put on at the back and fastened on the belt. It is quite heavy, as it reaches a full meter in scope. The coloring of the fan is of a combat nature, each color and pattern symbolizes something related to the attack. On top of the feathers, two shafts can be fixed - symbols of military arrows. Each copy is unique, two similar fans simply do not exist. This is a kind of demonstration of the "military awards" of the Indian, because all the feathers that are used in it - the man personally extracts all his life. These colorful regalia are the true pride of the dancer. nine0004

Indian dances In some tribes there are such ritual dances that last from dusk to dawn for several nights. A dancer performing such a ritual is like a conductor between the tribe and the divine principle, and if he falls, you can expect a drought or a hurricane.

Despite the fact that some Indian tribes adopted Christianity, the deification of the forces of nature is still relevant among them. Depending on what energies need to be awakened, dances are also divided. nine0003 Since ancient times, the agricultural tribes performed the Dance of the Corn, while their brothers, living by hunting, worshiped the Bison, holding many days of ritual events in honor of the animal that feeds them. The man performing the Dance of the Buffalo wore a special outfit, including a headdress that imitated the head of this animal. The dance meant gratitude for the sacrifice, for the meat and skin of the buffalo received. Today, the Indians carefully protect the herds of bison, which, thanks to the advent of white people, were practically destroyed, and this dance is demonstrated with pleasure at traditional Spell Festivals. nine0003 Nowadays, modern dances, originating in the cultural heritage of past centuries, are becoming more common among American Indians. For example, the Dance of the Grass, which emerged two hundred years ago, recently gained popularity, and with it a rebirth. It is performed by men whose clothes are decorated with a fringe symbolizing grass. Initially, the dance was part of a whole system that brought healing from ailments.
Healing power is also attributed to the female Dance with bells: bells completely adorn the outfit of the dancers, and therefore their every movement is accompanied by ringing. It is worth noting that earlier women were rarely allowed to ritual dances, assigning them a secondary role in such an important art, but over time they were allowed to dance on an equal footing with men: to go to the middle of the circle to show their own skills, to take part in pair dances. Very graceful are the women's Dances with a colored shawl, which are very popular these days. nine0003 The eagle is another symbol personified in Indian dances. Its importance leaves no doubt - this bird is called the ambassador of the Great Spirit, because it soars high in the sky and is closest to the sun. The action dedicated to the eagle is performed by men: their clothes are decorated with feathers, the bundles of which are attached to the sleeves, symbolizing wings.
An unusual performance is a dance with hoops, in which an Indian uses up to 30 hoops to create forms depicting turtles, butterflies, snakes, flowers, eagles and other living creatures. nine0003 Native American dances are characterized by a clear correspondence to the drum rhythm - this is especially evident in energetic male performances (for example, in the modern Dream Dance). The performer must carefully listen to the drums, and complete the movement with their last beat.

Indian rain dance


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| Folk dances

Dances of the peoples of the world

Rain dance

The traditional Native American rain dance is one of several rain dance rituals in the world. Many indigenous cultures have had similar dances in their history, but the Native American Rain Dance in North America is one of the most famous versions.

Rain dance

Purpose of the rain dance

In agricultural societies where survival depends on growing and harvesting crops, rain dances are common and used to bring rain. Of course, both rain and sunshine are needed for a good harvest, so there is some confusion as to whether rain dances are primarily meant to bring rain, or whether they are simply dances for a good harvest. In some Native American tribes, the rain and sun dances are the same, just called differently. The US federal government banned the rain dance during a period when Native Americans were forced to move west of the Mississippi. nine0004

Rain Dance

Home of the Rain Dance

There are many different Native American tribes in North America. One of the common characteristics of this dance regardless of the tribe is that it is performed by both men and women, unlike most other dances which are performed only by the men of the tribe. The dance requires special costumes and headgear, which are traditionally kept for the rest of the year and are only taken out for the ceremonial rain dance every August. At present, many of the cultural dances among the Indian tribes have disappeared, the rain dance still exists, especially in the southwestern United States, where summers are often very dry. nine0004

Rain dance

Costumes

Indian rain dances require special costumes to perform. Common to the costumes of various tribes are feathers and jewelry with turquoise in them. These two special materials symbolize wind and rain.

Rain Dance

Traditions

While traditional dances and traditions among Native American tribes are disappearing, and the Indians have become more and more integrated into American culture, the rain dance is still almost intact. . Some tribes still perform the dance for their original purpose, while others perform the rain dance for tourists interested in Native American culture. The rain dance is an integral part of not only the dance culture of Native Americans, but also the culture of the Indians in general. nine0004

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