The reasons for the growth of exotic dance forms can be attributed to various dance-based reality shows. “These shows have taken various unique forms of dance right into the living rooms of the masses. People enjoy watching them and would hence love to learn them,” explains Dr Priti Gupta of DanceSport India.

“Today, the options within dance styles are endless. People are often baffled when they come to register for dance classes, because there is so much choice,” says Aanchal Gupta, founder of Arts in Motion dance studio.

Latino moves

Shares Dr Gupta, “Latin American dances like samba, tango and paso doble are increasingly finding many takers. While styles like the salsa and cha cha cha are already quite popular, people are now opting for these relatively offbeat options.”

Visually vibrant

The graceful and visually beautiful modern contemporary dance form has also caught the fancy of would-be dancers. “This dance form originated as a revolt to ballet. Unlike ballet, it is not very rigid and technique based. The dance form is so pleasing to watch that it usually becomes the highlight of every dance performance we have,” says Aanchal. She adds that people are not really aware about the details of the dance but warm up to it slowly. Others are smitten when they see it being performed, and hence decide to pursue it. 

For those willing to experiment, Flamenco is a powerful, graceful and classy dance form.

High voltage

B-boying, with its flares, hand stands, elbow stands, break dance and various startling moves, has kicked up quite a storm. “Unlike traditional Indian dance forms, b-boying has no fixed choreography or structure. It is free flowing and spontaneous. B-boying is about what you feel like doing at that point in time depending on the music,” says Ambarin Kadri (known onstage as b-girl Amby) of Freak N Stylz, one of India’s first b-boying groups. Creativity and personal style are important elements of b-boying—but what makes the dancer perfect is regular practice. “We practice for a minimum of five hours a day. The stunts are honed from hours of effort,” says b-boyer Nishit Pathak. The sheer novelty of b-boying has made it an instant hit. “Anyone who watches us dance even once is sure to be left spellbound,” says Kadri.

Another high-energy dance variant is the krump hop. “This is essentially a street dance from the US which is a mixture of krumping and hip-hop. It involves several highly engaging moves, hooting, shouting stomping and clapping. Sometimes, dancers even create music through these rhythms. The krump hop has become extremely popular with the younger lot off late,” says Aanchal.

Exotic meets erotic

Providing an erotic twist to dance are belly dancing and pole dancing, both immensely popular in the recent times. “The modern woman is fiercely liberated and confident about her body. This has pushed the popularity of pole dancing / belly dancing,” shares dance instructor Shweta Mehta. These dances forms are finding favour among not just the just and svelte, but the older lot as well. “I get housewives, older married women, executives — all types of women who want to emancipate themselves,” shares Mehta.

Mehta’s student, housewife Madhumita Gandhi (name changed) has been secretly attending pole dancing classes for the last six months. “My family would not approve, but the dance gives me immense confidence and self belief. Indian girls are brought up as extremely shy and subservient. Pole dancing has helped me come to my own as a person,” she shares.

Health-wise

Dance is increasingly being looked at as a combination of fun and fitness. High-energy options like b-boying are great for those who want to stay in shape. Pole dancing and belly dancing, for example, are great workouts. “Belly dancing exercises the entire body, not just the stomach as is commonly believed. It improves flexibility and muscle movement,” says Mehta.

Reality check

Most non-dancers are unsure about taking up a new and different dance form. “However, all dance forms begin from scratch. It is possible to learn an exotic form of dance even if you have never danced before,” says Aanchal. Seems it time to put on those dancing shoes!

Pix: DanceSport India