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ARLINGON VIRGINA: The success of the movie "Slumdog Millionaire" is leading to a boom in Bollywood-style dance classes in the United States.
Americans of Indian origin have for many years enjoyed learning the dance steps from their favourite Hindi-language films. But now the appeal of the Oscar-grabbing film is driving new demand from American fans who want to emulate the style.
With its eight Oscars, including one for Best Picture, "Slumdog Millionaire" has become one of the most successful independent movies of all time.
The closing sequence, with a Bollywood-style dance, is inspiring Americans in Virginia to try something new.
Kajal Mehta, from Dhoonya Dance School and Performance Company, says attendance at her classes has increased dramatically since the film came out.
She said: "Listening to that music and seeing the dancing at the end (of the movie) got everyone really excited. It just created a bigger interest, not only just in dance and music, but in India as a country as well."
Many of the new students are looking to spice up their normal fitness class or gym program.
Alex Mateo is learning the dance for the first time. She says traditional Indian steps are trickier than they look.
"I am definitely fascinated with Asian culture. I've been fascinated since college and definitely I've seen ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ many times, and so it seemed like a really fun cultural thing to do."
Seema Khadar is at the advanced level. She says she is reviving a childhood interest.
"For years I didn't do anything… You need something for yourself and… Bollywood is me."
Khadar says the dance class provides her with an opportunity to express both the American and Indian parts of her identity.
She said: "It's just like me because I'm from India, but I was born and raised here, so it's melding me together too."
Bollywood refers to Indian cinema created in Mumbai, formerly Bombay. Many of the movies feature dance extravaganzas and melodrama.
Now, some Indian production houses have signed deals with Hollywood studios, and Mehta says that is making her feel upbeat.
She said: "I think the more people see (the movies)… it's going to be better for us as a business, but it's just more exciting to see that we've brought so much in terms of this art form."
She hopes the rising popularity of Indian music and dance will push US movie studios to integrate Bollywood elements in some of their productions.
So with Hollywood and Bollywood beginning to sway to the same rhythm, perhaps India's influence on mainstream popular culture here in the US will continue to grow.
- CNA/yt
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