It is originally from India, a dance form used in Indian movies . Like most of dances, it is a mix of several styles together; such as belly-dancing, Kathak, Indian folk and modern jazz.
Can we dance Bollywood in Montreal ?
Of course, yes !
There is this one authentic professional Indian Bollywood dance company called Bollywood Blast in Montreal. This dance company is specialized in delivering Indian art and culture to the public for various events/occasions. Their goal is to entertain audiences, promote well-being, preserve and share the beauty of ancient Indian traditions and the evolution of its culture with all.
The team !
Founded in 2005 by Ina B., an acclaimed dancer/choreographer in the community, is trained in various styles of Indian and diverse dance forms by respected dance teachers and renowned celebrity choreographers: Nakul Dev Mahajan (So You Think You Can Dance), Rujuta Vaidya (English Vinglish, Naach Meri Jaan, Britney Spears). Ina’s work has been seen at prestigious events such as Bollywood Music Awards in Atlantic City, and IIFA Awards related event in NYC. She has also had the pleasure of working with ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ choreographer Longinus Fernandes, Brad Denys (Cirque de Soleil for Cabaret du Casino), as well as choreographing and performing for recording artists Shaan, Stereo Nation and Shweta Subram.
Artistic Director Rameez Karim is professionally trained in various dance styles including Indian folk/filmi/fusion, ballet, hip hop, and Afro-Caribbean. He has learned from renowned Bollywood choreographers Saroj Khan and Baba Yadav. Rameez has worked for/ with artists such as Mia Martina, The Bilz & Kashif, and Jassi Sidhu. He has also choreographed and performed for prestigious events and festivals including Montreal’s Taste of the Caribbean and the Ismaili Jubilee Games (Dubai).
This dynamic duo has had the grace to learn from and perform with the great master of Bollywood herself Masterji Saroj Khan (Devdas etc.). They work diligently to provide various platforms for both dancers and enthusiasts alike.
Bollywood Blast has an extensive community and mainstream clientele both corporate and public. They have appeared on ‘Vous les vous Danser’ with Genevieve Guerard (ARTV/ TVA), CBC’s ‘Match des Etoiles’ ;Breakfast Television’ (CityTV) as well as various mainstream medias. Their performances include Indipop sensations celebrity concerts, Festivals Access Asie, Montreal Fashion Week, Toronto’s ‘Masala! Mehndi! Masti!’, ImaginAsian (Calgary), Festival Traditions de Monde (Sherbrooke), Miss Global International Pageant (Jamaica), Montreal Grand Burlesque Show & Festival, Festival Mode & Design, Fierté Montréal Pride, Montreal Shaadi Show and more.
In November of 2015, Bollywood Blast was called to surprise Bollywood/Quantico star Priyanka Chopra for an impromptu Diwali celebration during her shoot for Quantico. Even Canadian PM Justin Trudeau joined in the Bollywood Bhangra fun dancing with Bollywood Blast during India Day celebrations seen globally in a Youtube video gone viral worldwide after his election as Prime Minister of Canada.
Currently Bollywood Blast is expanding in Canada and Mexico. They are teaching Indian/ Bollywood dance and fitness in addition to performing on stages worldwide. Follow our dance journey on our Facebook and Instagram