I began working in the City at the start of the year and was looking for a fun physical activity to pursue in the evenings as a means of de-stressing, keeping fit and learning a new skill. Bollywood Dance London's classes have definitely helped me to achieve all three aims. I currently attend the 5-week BhangraFitness course and I have also attended several of the Pure Bolly weekly classes.
Having tried classes with other dance companies, the two things which make or break a dance class for me are the style of teaching and the atmosphere created in the studio. BDL gets it right on both counts. Course teacher Nileeka's fun and energetic teaching style is perfectly suited to Bhangra dance, which is one of the most dynamic and enjoyable styles of dance I have ever attempted. Her instruction is humorous and interesting, and the result is that everyone feels at ease and motivated to learn. Classes are taught at an excellent pace; no one is left straggling. Following a lively, Bhangra-inspired warmup, the intricate moves of the week's routine are broken down methodically at a measured pace so that even those with two left feet (myself included!) can get to grips with them. The whole group is then collectively progressed to the upbeat pace of the Bhangra track; always a catchy, current song which makes you instinctively want to move. I've noticed how these classes are smartly designed to maximise Bhangra's potential as a style of dance which is fun to perform but which also works your whole body, putting paid to the name BhangraFITNESS. If, like me, you struggle to motivate yourself at the gym but are eager to keep trim then I would definitely suggest giving BhangraFitness a try. The best way to keep fit is through an enjoyable activity which captures your attention; after one of these hour-long classes my whole body has been worked without me even realising it!
If you are uncertain as to whether Bollywood dance is for you, I would recommend trying one of the Pure Bolly Drop-In classes the company runs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. I found these a great way of getting comfortable with the Bollywood essentials. The teaching at these classes was again superb and it was for this reason that I was eager to sign up to a course and take my dance skills to the next level.
On the whole I can certainly recommend BDL's BhangraFitness course as an excellent place to master the art of Bhangra in a friendly environment. BDL offers a variety of Bollywood courses so I can't imagine that anyone would be unable to find something for them. With so much to learn I will definitely be sticking around at BDL for some time! read more