7 Dance Forms Causing a Storm in India

Time to put on your dancing shoes!

Dance and dancing till about a few years back were mostly associated with some or the other form of ‘filmi’ dance. Then things changed. Dance competition shows on TV made everyone sit up and take note. A welcome breather from the histrionics on daily soaps and news channels, dance shows reminded us that it was good to just sit back and watch some amazing undiluted talent out there. It was uncomplicated, it was fun and more importantly it gave some truly gifted kids a platform to showcase their killer moves.

It’s not strange to have friends now actually hiring a choreographer to get those aunties in line for their performance on sangeet night. It’s not crazy to sign up for ballroom dance classes at your neighbourhood dance studio.

Salsa, bachata, bhangra, Bollywood you name it and you’ll have someone teaching it to anybody with two left feet.

B boying

An off shoot of urban street dances born in vernacular urban settlements in America, b boying is the latest cousin of break dance which originated in New York City. Other forms of hip hop dance are locking and popping which is featured in the latest R&B music videos. With an African-American heritage, urban street dances like these served as a component of dance offs between local dance groups.

Bollywood

So popular has this dance form become that even dance shows overseas have featured it with choreographers including it in their repertoire. Like with all dances, Bollywood too has undergone a whole range of variations, from the mujra which had kathak at its root, to the more informal synchronised choreography dances of the 80’s and 90’s, dance has been an integral part of the story telling mechanism of our film industry.

Salsa

Sensuous and intimate, salsa too have many forms depending on the country it is danced in. Cuban, American, Indian salsa is one of the most popular forms of socializing in today’s urban setting. A more stylized and niche audience is present for tango which had its origins in the factory workers’ ghettos of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Modern contemporary

Jazz ballet and contemporary dance were formed in turn of the century America. Art and expression come together beautifully here. Tap dance is another nuanced dance form that got street cred in African American neighborhoods of America.

Group synchronized

One of the dance forms that has probably been created for popular dance shows. The group synchronized dance is a great way to showcase a team of dancers and how they are capable of bringing the wow factor on TV dance shows.

Indian Classical

Although still danced in its purest forms, Indian classical dances originated in temples in South India and Orrisa and Manipur. Barring Kathak which is said to owe its origin to bards in Northern India who acted as storytellers or ‘kathakars’. While it has made a comeback of sorts on TV, it is still largely practiced by individuals and not by large numbers.

Belly dance

Belly dance is now a go to fitness routine for some but it originated in the Middle East. Colourful and sensual, belly dancers danced in many a harem and sultan’s court to entertain him and his guests.

Catch all these dances and more with some high energy fun and madness on Dance + 2 where it’s ALL and ONLY about dance. No gimmicks, no stunts, just pure talent. Super judge Remo D’Souza needs no introduction, as does Shakti Mohan who along with Dharmesh Yelande who are Captains with teams under their wings. Well known choreographer and dancer Punit Pathak is all set to make his debut as a Captain in this season of Dance + 2. Who doesn’t know Raghav Jugal, another entertainer extraordinaire at reality TV dance shows. Be prepared for some crazy fun courtesy the funny and charming new host of the show who is none other than Raghav Jugal. Get ready for all this and more with with some spell binding performances from a talented bunch of dancers who will light up your screens. We promise Dance + 2 will have you grabbing those dancing shoes. You’ll be blown away by the awesome adrenaline rush. Get the epicness right here. Don’t forget to tune into STAR Plus on 2nd July at 8 pm. It’s a date!