SESSION HANDOUT BOLLYWOOD & BHANGRA MAGIC

Dr. B & The Bhangra Bros Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN ™) Members, USA

SESSION HANDOUT Presenters Lead Presenter: Dr. B FB: “Drb Zumba” Co-Presenters: Ritesh Rajan & Hiren Surti (BhangraBros) Assisted By: Betsy Dopico & April T. Smith

Schedule 10 min: Introduction & Background 10 min: Warm-up featuring rhythms and moves of Bollywood & Bhangra 50 min: Choreography Breakdown & Instruction on Basic Steps 45-50 min: Bollywood & Bhangra Master Class!!!!! (Total: 2 hours)

Session Objective Exotic, energetic, powerful, sensual, and deeply rhythmic; these are the vibes of Indian folk, classical, and “Bollywood” (Indian film-industry) music and dance. This workshop will focus on two major styles of Indian dance: Bhangra (an intensely cardiovascular folk dance from Northern India), and Bollywood (a modern, fusion-based style that combines elements from various forms of Indian classical and folk dance, as well as hip-hop, jazz, Latin, & other world styles). The goal of this session is to make you fall in love with Bollywood & Bhangra, and to prepare you to bring these styles into your classes. We will provide instruction on some basic steps in these two forms of Indian ® dance through the teaching of actual choreography formulated for Zumba Fitness classes. Through an energy packed Master Class, you will also experience the breath and variation of these styles as well as their particular applicability to fitness.

History & Background Dance has always been an integral part of Indian culture. Indian Classical Dance dates back centuries. Some say as far as 5000 years ago. In fact a dancing figure was found in the ruins of an ancient Indian nd City thought to date back to the 2 century BC, and many ancient Hindu temples have carvings of classical dance postures and gestures. Dance was so important in India that all the steps and gestures basic to Indian classical dance were described in what is considered a “holy” scripture that is thought to have been written around the time of the birth of Christ. Originally the classical dances emerged as a form of worship and relayed stories about the Gods, values & morality. Because dance was a way to

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2013 ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR CONVENTION – BOLLYWOOD & BHANGRA MAGIC

communicate stories and emotions, hand gestures (called Mudhras or Hastas) became critical to communicating meaning. Classical Indian dance has very specific hand gestures with specific meanings which can refer to things, people, animals or emotions. Some gestures, however, are purely ornamental. There are 28 single hand gestures and 24 double hand gestures in classical dance. Modern Indian dances tend to use Hand gestures more ornamentally. There are 7 major schools of classical Indian dance (Bharathnatyam & Kathak being two of the most well known), many more folk dances (the most popular of which is Bhangra), and then more hybrid modern versions of Indian dance, (e.g. Bollywood).

Bollywood “Bollywood” actually refers to the main hub of the Indian film industry which is located in Bombay (now renamed Mumbai) and is thought to be one of the most prolific film industries in the world. Unlike here in America, most Indian movies are musicals where songs and dances are essential. These movies, and the music and dance steps from them, become large influences on daily life; it is common to see children (and adults) perform the newest dances at shows, festivals, and weddings, and see everyone jamming to the latest Bollywood hits using the latest, most iconic Bollywood steps at parties. It is also important to note that Bollywood dance is actually hard to define because it is a fusion of different dance styles: it fuses elements of classical Indian dances and Indian folk dances with more modern hybrid movements as well as movements from other world styles (such as Jazz, Hip Hop, Arabic and even Latin!!). So Bollywood dance includes a great deal of variety and can look very different depending on the contributing influences. Despite the variety, there as some unique elements in "Bollywood" dance that gives it it's specific flavor: these include the use of hand gestures, certain types of footwork and dance posture, and (for women) lots of hips and turns.

Bhangra Bhangra is a very lively and energetic, yet traditional form of dance and music which originates from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. Some speculate Bhangra emerged around 300 BC, others believe it th took birth during the 11 century, but no one is really sure it existed until about 500 years ago around the th 14 or 15th century. Bhangra emerged as a celebratory folk dance performed by Punjabi farmers in celebration of the coming of the harvest season, or Vaisakhi, as it is known, and it is from one of the major products of the harvest—bhang (hemp)—that bhangra drew its name. In traditional bhangra, dancers sing the chorus of a song whilst dancing around a dhol (double-headed drum). The dhol is the center point of Bhangra music; it is struck with a heavy beater on one end and a lighter stick on the other, giving the music the rhythmic character that has remained the hallmark of Bhangra music. In Bhangra, the lyrics are always sung in the language of Punjabi and usually relate to social or cultural issues including love, marriage, money, dancing, Panjabi pride and heroes. Current Bhangra artists take their inspiration from all kinds of sources, often dealing with hot topics of the time. Bhangra seeks to offer a message along with its music. The specific movements of bhangra reflect the manner in which villagers farmed their land and center around the many different aspects of tending to land and growing crops. Since most of the farming work

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2013 ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR CONVENTION – BOLLYWOOD & BHANGRA MAGIC

was carried out by men and young boys, the dance of Bhangra is very boisterous with an almost macho feel to it. It includes movements such as foot stomps, vigorous kicks, and loud, brash music. As such, Bhangra was traditionally performed by males only. However, ladies enjoyed an alternative form of dance from the Punjab known as Giddha. Other than male and female variations, Bhangra dances also differ from region to region within Punjab, and while they still retain their own unique identities, the term Bhangra has come to refer to a whole host of these dance forms including Jhumar, Luddi, Giddha, Julli, Daankara, Dhamal, Saami, Kikli, and Gatka, and over the years, a blending of these different forms. While Bhangra began as a part of harvest festival celebrations, it eventually became a part of such diverse celebrations as weddings and New Year’s Eve. Moreover, during the last thirty years, Bhangra has enjoyed a surge in popularity worldwide; with the division of Punjab into India and Pakistan in 1947 and the subsequent migration of masses of Punjabis into the western world (specifically England), Bhangra has become fused with many western movements such as in Hip hop and reggae, has become very popular in clubs in England, and has a growing following in the rest of the world. The popularity of Bhangra has also been enhanced by the integration of the music and dance style into the Bollywood film industry.

Application of the Zumba® Formula Remember the Zumba Formula? THE ZUMBA FORMULA Z=MC 1. Music 2. Core Steps 3. Choreography

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Integrating Bollywood and Bhangra rhythms and movements into your Zumba fitness class is very simple when using the Zumba Formula. Music Music is the key to success in your Zumba Fitness class. It not only provides the structure for your choreographies, but it can mean the difference between an energized, rocking class, and one that falls flat. Bollywood and Bhangra music is an ideal motivator for your class because of the heavy emphasis on drums and powerful rhythms. The anatomy of these songs is usually quite easy to determine with clear chorus and verse segments, and much repetition, thus they lend themselves easily to Zumba based choreography. Of note: it sometimes takes time to get used to and “get into” new rhythms and moves. Because a lot of Bollywood and Bhangra music and dance infuses western flavors, it might be helpful to introduce these rhythms to your class using songs and movements the fall toward the “fusion” end of the Bollywood/Bhangra spectrum. As your students get used to the Indian flavor and begin to expand their palate, try something more pure. Also remember, choose music you love!! If you are rocking to it, your class will too!!!

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2013 ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR CONVENTION – BOLLYWOOD & BHANGRA MAGIC

How to work with Bollywood/Bhangra music: Give yourself time to really listen to the songs:  Listen to and feel the music. Particularly with a new rhythm and flavor, you may need to listen to the song several times to really get a feel for it.  Identify the chorus, verse/s, breaks, etc.  If you are experiencing difficulty recognizing the different parts of a song, use the Zumbagram you received in your B1 training to help you. Draw each part of the song to visually see the structure and the repeating segments.  Memorize your music!!!! Core Steps Remember that each of your songs only needs 3-4 core steps. If your class is fairly new to Bhangra/Bollywood, maybe pick only 2-3 core steps, adding more arm, directional, or fitness variations as needed to create your choreography. Remember, you want your class to be successful. New rhythms and moves can be challenging, so keep it simple at first. Choreography A lot of variation can be created by different hand gestures and arm movements in Bollywood and Bhangra, as well as with directional, rhythmic & fitness variations. Add your own flavor! Remember Bollywood and Bhangra are fusion-based styles, so bring in what you do best. Also, by adding certain Bollywood accents (hand movements and gestures, chest drops/pops, hips, and lunges etc.) you can turn moves you are familiar with, into Bollywood moves. How to make sure your class will be successful:  When introducing a new step, especially for a class unfamiliar with Bollywood/Bhangra, keep it basic; add all the frills (variations, accents, flair) later.  Modify or intensify your basic steps/variations to meet the needs and level of your class.  Make sure your transitions are smooth and easy to follow.  Plan and practice your cues- especially when you introduce new songs or rhythms. This will help your students follow you and feel successful.  Practice, practice, practice!

Basic Steps & Variations Here are some of the basic steps (and variations) you will be introduced to during this workshop. This list is subject to additions and changes. BOLLYWOOD Basic Bollywood Posture & Pony Step Classic Posture Hand Gestures Hips Bollywood Accents

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BHANGRA Stomps with arm variations Cross Stomps Kicks Bhangra Grapevine Jugni

2013 ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR CONVENTION – BOLLYWOOD & BHANGRA MAGIC

Choreo Notes Detailed Choreo Notes will be posted in the following locations: 1. Bollywood Choreo Notes: Dr. B's FB page (see in Notes section, and in Photos): http://www.facebook.com/drb.zumba 2. Bhangra Choreo Notes: BhangraBros FB page (see in Notes section): http://www.facebook.com/bhangrabros

Recommended Music

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Name of Song

Genre

Album/Artist

Jawani

Indian Pop

Taz (Stereo Nation) & Don Minikano

Deva Shree Ganesha

Bollywood

Album: Agneepath

Anarkali Disco Chali

Bollywood

Album: Housefull 2

Balma

Bollywood

Album: Khiladi 786

Haaay

Bollywood

Album: Mere Dad Ki Maruti

I’m Ill

Bhangra

Klasikhz

Black & Yellow

Bhangra

Klasikhz

Kaim Rahe Sardari

Bhangra

Epic Bhangra & Manjit Pappu

Panjabi Hurr

Bhangra

DJ Jassi

2013 ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR CONVENTION – BOLLYWOOD & BHANGRA MAGIC