In the mythical kingdom of Bollywood, the emperor rarely commissions a motion picture without assurances that it will deliver multiple mind-blowing dance sequences. Experience this passion for dance with today's Groupon. For $30, you get a four-week Bollywood dance course at Dhoonya Dance, a $60 value. Your Groupon is good towards one progressive, four-week series of either BollyBasics, Techniques I, or Techniques II classes, as opposed to four random drop-ins (which would only cause mass chaos and untold fashion faux pas).
With the recent success of Slumdog Millionaire and the return of the McRib, Bollywood influence is quickly spreading and slowly infusing its upbeat and tastefully seductive moves into the American dance scene. Since 2005, Dhoonya has been at the forefront of this dance dance revolution, which was solidified when they made it to the big leagues—Oprah. The team features a solid army of dedicated move masters ready to take newcomers under their wing like a stoic eagle adopting an abecedarian puffin.
Very-first-timers can bake their Bollywood cake from scratch with the BollyBasics course. As with any dance style, the fundamentals are the key to successful mastery. Spend four weeks immersing your mind in the basics of Pop Bhangra and Bollywood moves. By course's end, you'll be able to perform short sequences of rhythmic flow in a group setting. Equip your hips and feet with some new steps while working up a sweat and burning calories in a small, controlled fire.
Alternatively, you can take the more involved Techniques classes (I or II), where you'll learn a complete choreographed routine. Along the way, you'll pick up subtle tips to achieve authenticity, such as conveying a song's grace through acting and facial expressions. Those taking Techniques I can put their skills to the test during an optional in-class performance. Participants can demonstrate newfound abilities to friends, webcam pen pals, and that nay-saying mailman who always said making it in Bollywood was merely a pipedream. The advanced Techniques II is great for aspiring dancers and will dig further into the style. Students will learn fancier and more technical elements while potentially gaining community performance experience. Check the schedule for course times, days, and location, as this is eligible at both Chelsea Studios and Dance Theatre Workshop.
Reviews
Dhoonya Dance has appeared on Oprah alongside renowned Bollywood couple Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. IN New York also endorses the company, recommending its classes for a bit of Indian flair in NYC.
Though there aren't many online reviews, one Yelper gives Dhoonya a perfect five stars:
- Priya was amazing--she managed to teach and choreograph a dance for 14 people who knew nothing about Bollywood-style dance in one hour! She was flexible, responsive and a pleasure to deal with. Highly recommended. – Michelle R.
Groupon Says
Nobody's Watching
According to the old adage, you should: "Dance like nobody's watching, love like you've never been hurt, and ..." a third, less memorable thing that is probably about keeping your motorcycle shiny. While a dance class might seem intimidating at first, there are some steps you can take to make sure you're truly behaving like nobody's watching:
- Wear those jean shorts that got you fired
- Stare mournfully into an open locket the entire time
- Dip your peanut butter-coated hands into a bag of chocolate chips and go to town
- Cry like a baby through the last six reels of An American Tail
- Google yourself
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