Real-life “Slumdog Millionaire” couple, Dev Patel and Freida Pinto have been popping up all over London arm-in-arm, not quite the signature Bollywood moves from the Oscar winning film.
Even though they didn’t break out the high-kicks, we were still inspired to investigate the different options for learning this mash-up of classical Indian, folk, Latin, Arabic and even MTV- and Broadway-style dance steps.
Dhoonya Dance
Though they’re well-known for high-profile performances, this dance company is not above catering to beginners, as the BollyBasics class is perfect for newbies looking to make their hip-shaking debut.
Tuesdays 7-8 p.m., 219 West 19th Street, $20 single/$180 12 classes.
The Masala Bhangra Workout
Certain instructors consider sweating to be the by product of the class, not the focus. But Sarina Jain makes sure that high-intensity aerobics moves are front and center during her one-hour grueling routines.
Various NYC gym locations including Crunch, NYSC, Clay and Alvin Ailey Studios.
Bollywood Axion
“Hoofing it” since age 4, artistic director Pooja Narang now works with celebs such as Tyra Banks, and teaches students to rise in rank from Absolute Beginner, to Intermediate and Advanced.
257 W. 39th St. 14th Fl., Minimum purchase of $16 for 10 classes, Various times.
Bollywood Funk NYC Dance School
Because Bollywood is too colorful to be limited to one flavor, classes at the Bollywood Funk School also incorporate jazz and hip-hop.
Weekends: Stepping Out Studios, 37 W. 26th St., 9th Fl. Weeknights: Ripley Grier Studios, 520 8th Ave. 5 classes, $75/10 classes, $140.
In case you’d rather stage the studio in your living room, you can easily slip on a sari and slide in one of our favorite DVDS: “The Bollywood Dance Workout With Hemalayaa,” or Julia Casper’s “Bollyrobics Dance Workout.”
– Liz Puzio Love it or Hate it?3 Loved, 1 Hated
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