What Is The Right Bollywood Dance Workout Footwear For You?

Bollywood dance workouts are traditionally done without wearing any shoes. Dancing is mostly done on bare feet because it does not restrict the feet movements and makes performing the dance steps easier. Dancing barefoot is also very beneficial for the feet as it allows you to really work all the joints and muscle in the feet and ankles. Dancing with any shoes is usually difficult for many of us and therefore if you think that your feet and ankles are not strong enough, it is best to wear some type of footwear. Particularly as there is a lot of bouncing and jumping in some of the Bollywood dance routines, dancing without any shoes can be very punishing on your joints and knees.

Recommended Bollywood Dance Workout Footwear

The shoes and footwear that is best suited for Bollywood dance workouts should have good shock absorbers and protect your feet. When you perform the cardio dance steps and swivel and shimmy, you body will suffer a lot of shock in the knees and ankles, so proper shoes and socks is a must. Most of the Bollywood dance workout classes will allow you to participate in gym shoes and trainers as long they are solely used for Bollywood fitness training. The shoes are also required to have a non-marking sole as this will help prevent damage to the classroom dance floors. Thick socks are advised with your footwear, but avoid dancing just in socks on the wooden floors as this can cause injury through unwanted sliding.

Why Dance Shoes Work For Bollywood Workouts

If you are really motivated and want to practice Bollywood dance workouts frequently, you have to seriously consider getting some dance shoes, ballet slippers, jazz shoes or even dance sneakers sooner rather than later. This is because gym shoes simply do not allow you to move the various parts of your feet very much. Dancing shoes are solely designed to enable you to maneuver the joints in your toes, feet and ankles for optimum control, balance and strength when carrying out the dance workout moves. This allows for spinning and other dancing variations without excessive slipping and provides the much needed support and cushioning.

Bollywood inspired fitness workouts exude high energy and impact through its graceful yet electric dance movements. As you progress through its different and master the exercise program, your feet will become conditioned to the physical demands placed on it. This will make it easier for you to gradually ditch any footwear and workout barefoot in true Bollywood dance style!

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A Beginners Guide to Bollywood Dance and Its Styles

Bollywood is the term used for the film industry of India. Originally it was a play on the words "Bombay" and "Hollywood". The Bollywood film industry is the largest producer of films in the world. Quite often people refer to Mumbai (formally known as Bombay) as the Bollywood capital, and Bollywood films are known for their love stories, colourful dances and music numbers. (Although contrary to popular belief, not all Bollywood films are musicals).

Since India's Independence in 1947, the Bollywood film industry has grown considerably and has seen many influences from other countries. Dance styles within the films originally derived from a mix of classical Indian styles (such as Bharatnatayam and Kathak) where the dancer would 'tell a story' through movement and was often danced in the temples; and folk dance styles such as Garba, Bhangra, or Rajasthani influences.

Whilst many Bollywood dances still have elements of these classical and folk styles, Western music had had a major impact on the songs written for more modern movies. From the 1970s, styles such as rock and roll, Latin, pop, r'n'b and hip hop started to make their way into the works of Indian composers. The western influence assisted in the Bollywood film industry in growing to other countries around the world, and now has a huge following in the UK, US, Australia and so on.

So, what is the difference between Bollywood and Belly Dance? Firstly, they both originate from different countries. Bollywood is from India where as Belly Dance originates from the Middle East, and whilst Bollywood can incorporate some moves from Belly Dance styles, there are more hand and body movements compared to Belly Dance (which is mostly from the torso and hips). You will also find that whist Belly Dance is traditionally danced by ladies, Bollywood dance is performed by both men and ladies.

The Indian culture has a love of performing - it's not about whether they can or can't dance, they just either do or don't. Go to any Indian Bollywood event, and you'll find they'll have no hesitation in getting up to dance, especially to some popular Bollywood or Punjabi tunes. So now you have more of an idea of what Bollywood dancing is, why not check out your local area for a beginners class and see that it's more than just 'turning the light bulb' and 'patting the dog'. Who knows, you may discover a passion for dance you didn't know you had!

Racheal Leigh is a Bollywood Dance teacher and performer, and the owner of Bollycise Bollywood Dance school in Brisbane (QLD, AU). For more information or to contact Racheal please visit http://www.bollycise.com/

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