Bust a Move: Bollywood Dance Workouts Put the Fun in Fitness

Anyone snatch the TV remote and flip from football to the Miss America pageant last Sunday night? No? Only me? Anyway, in case you missed it, Miss New York Nina Davuluri, who would eventually go on to be crowned the 2014 winner, performed an exotic Bollywood dance in the talent portion of the competition, and let’s just say, it looked like one serious—and seriously fun—workout. No wonder she’s in such beauty pageant-perfect shape.

So that being said, here’s a quick thought for all you Zumba lovers out there who want to branch out and try something different: Bollywood dance workouts may be your best bet to bust a move. We spoke with Hemalayaa Behl, a yogini, dancer, fitness educator, and media darling—appearing everywhere from The Ellen DeGeneres Show to the New York Times and Health magazine to her own DVD workout videos—who provided insight into this fun dance workout.

Q: What exactly is Bollywood dance?
A: Bollywood is India’s Hollywood. There are thousands of movies that are made each year that are mostly song and dance musicals. The dances are elaborate and sassy. These are a mix of all sorts of dance styles; classical Indian, modern, belly, flamenco…etc…almost anything goes.

Q: What are the physical and psychological benefits?
A: Physical benefits are getting the heart pumping, sweating, and working all your muscles. The other benefits are feeling elated, having greater amounts of energy, and an overall feeling of well being. 

Q: What do you love about teaching Bollywood dance?
A: I love the way it can change anyone’s mood into a very positive experience, as well as the lightness and joy we all feel from doing it. But just so we’re clear: I’m not teaching Bollywood dance the traditional way with choreography…I’m using the music and the moves to help us find our own free-form expression using dance.

Q: Can you offer a few Bollywood dance moves to try at home?
A: You can find my Bolly Blast TV show airing this Saturday, September 21, on the Veria Living channel and be able to dance and get fit with me in the comfort of your own home.  But for now, stand with your feet hip-distance apart. Keep your knees slightly bent as you bounce here with your legs, take your arms up and twist your hands as they look like they’re twisting light bulbs. Bounce your shoulders now and shrug off all your stress.

See a list of locations offering Bollywood dance on SpaFinder.com!