Bollywood dance refers to the widely known dance form that comes and gets its name from the Indian film industry, Bollywood.

The forms of dance that are used for this specific type of art are, traditional folk dances of India, such as:

• Kuchipudi

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• Jhumar Nach

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• Bhangra (ex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD-LFksC1Nc)

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• and many more.

 

 

Historical Background

 

The common name that is form is known by is Bollywood, this is because is always found in Bollywood movies. The name is combination of the main Indian city Bombay (a.k.a. Mumbai) and the rest transfers from the world famous film and music industry, Hollywood.

When this dance first came started to root is way out, the historical time effected is so traditional dance were mostly used such as, Kathak (ex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wXJWaqFbQc). Then as it became more popular and was an evident part of any Bollywood film, the choreographers started to make larger routines, with bigger groups.

 

 

Primary Influences

 

• Belly dance

• Folk dancing

• Indian dancing

• Western popular

• Jazz

 

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• Indian + Western dance elements

• Artistic, aesthetic movements

• Unnatural body movements

• Sings, meaning (sign language/facial expressions)

• Neck & hip movements, body slides, fluidity

 

Elements of dance

• Relationship (troupes and main characters)

• Space (lots of moving around, fluidly)

• Action (different, aesthetic, unnatural moves neck & hip movements)

• Body (different movements, unnatural movements)

• Time (fast, quick movements, fluid)

 

Fun Facts

• 99% Bollywood films contain music & dance

• One of the most unique dance styles

• Very popular globally

• Very easily recognizable and identifiable

• Has changed overtime by incorporating other modern dance moves