Bollywood Dance in London - everything you need to know about one of India’s best exports.

At a glance:

● Great fun
● Follow in the footsteps of your Bollywood heroes
● Exercise while dancing
● Good way to meet people in London

The Lowdown

Bollywood dance classes are the only way to scratch that itch you’ve had ever since watching Slumdog Millionaire. You know the feeling, when you’re waiting for the 19.10 out of Liverpool Street and you expect everyone else to burst out into perfectly coordinated Bollywood dancing, just like this. Never happens though, does it?

Although Danny Boyle’s film was the first glimpse for many into the Bollywood style of film-making, Bombay’s answer to Hollywood has been producing lavish, colourful epics since the early 20th Century. And the centrepiece is usually a huge, painstakingly choreographed Bollywood dance scene featuring all types of dance from traditional Indian dancing to pop and hip hop.

London has a huge affinity with India, and with a large Indian population, authentic Bollywood dancing classes are not hard to find. Not the most sedate form of dancing, you’ll be doing a fair bit of jumping around, so prepare to burn some calories during your Bollywood dance lessons.

The Crowd

Bollywood dancing (a blend of classical Indian and Western dance styles like pop and Broadway) is literally impossible to do without a smile on your face, watch any classic routine and you will see. So the chances are Bollywood dance classes are going to be pretty fun as well, and who doesn’t like fun? No one - that’s who. With vividly coloured clothes, active routines, the chance to meet new people and try something new, what’s not to like?

The Cost

Though saris are beautiful, the great thing about Bollywood dance is it’s such a mashup of styles that you can wear just about anything. Also, traditional Indian dancing is done barefoot so no need for special shoes either.

And Finally…

To prove our point about Bollywood dance being the ultimate mashup of styles - here's the Bollywood version of the late King of Pop’s "Thriller" - perhaps a suggestion for the instructor at your TasterLab class for Bollywood dance in London?