An Interview with Priya Pandya, Founding Partner of Dhoonya Dance
by Arton Gjonbalaj

A: Where does Bollywood dance originate?

P: Storytelling—through dance—has been a part of India’s rich culture dating back centuries. Classical Indian dances, such as Bharatanatyam and Kathak, originated in the temples as an artistic way of conveying religious tales and epics. Folk dance styles such as Bhangra originated as a way of passing time in the fields of Northern India while harvesting crops.

A hallmark of the Bollywood, a portmanteau that refers to the Hindi language movie industry, is the lively song-and-dance numbers that pepper almost every film. There’s a certain escapism and joy in these songs that I think everyone can relate to and appreciate as an outlet, even if they can’t understand the language.

As a reflection of popular culture, Bollywood dance fuses elements of classical Indian dances and traditional Indian folk dances with Western dance forms to create a genre of its own. Basic Bollywood steps rely on the relationship between the leg and hip, what often takes students the longest time to master. Once the hip movements become natural, each progressive step is much easier to learn.

A: Could you please give a little description about your interest in dance and why you decided to start Dhoonya Dance?

P: It has been a lifelong mission of mine to bring Indian-inspired arts to the forefront of global and local communities. Kajal Mehta and I started Dhoonya Dance in 2005 as a way to educate others, with respect to our culture and what we love to do, to enhance the already diverse options of dance styles available to students, and provide a fun yet rigorous exercise regimen.

It has been amazing in these five years to see the growth of our school Dhoonya Dance grow into two metropolitan areas—Washington, D.C. and New York City. We have also been afforded some incredible opportunities, such as dancing on The Oprah Winfrey Show, the CBS Early Show, and the Smithsonian Institute. We are excited about continuing to serve as ambassadors of Indian arts and culture!

A: What does dance mean to you, and what makes Indian dance particularly fascinating?

P: There are so many forms of Indian dance that it would be difficult to describe Indian dance as one facet. However, Bollywood dancers in specific are usually noted for their grace, a certain subtle sensuality of expression, as well as fluid hip movements.

Bollywood dance sequences—often noted for the colorful costumes, gorgeous backdrops, and overall spectacle—tell a story through each and every song. So as you work on the technical aspects of the choreography, you are also playing a character, and it is important to convey those expressions and emotions, whether it is the joy a bride feels on her wedding day or the anguish of a lost love.

A: What sort of techniques or concepts do Dhoonya instructors use to keep students motivated? What makes Dhoonya unique?

P: Dhoonya is unique because we have developed a specialized, technique-driven curriculum to a style of dance that is not traditionally rooted in technique. All of our instructors undergo a rigorous training program. In terms of keeping our students motivated, we look to introduce new styles each session, and add variety to the songs we teach. For example, if one class we teach a more folk-based number, then the next class might have a more contemporary or classically rooted song.

A: Where do you see the trajectory of dance a few years from now?

P: I hope that with increasing globalization making the world a smaller place, we will see greater cultural appreciation and awareness that would influence dance as well. I hope that people everywhere will become aware of and integrated into the many global beats and movements that they might not have had access to before.

A: How do I learn more and get involved? Where do I sign up?

P: We offer classes for all ages and levels. No dance experience in necessary. We hold classes in NYC, Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland! Sign up for the newsletter and get updates by emailing info@dhoonyadance.com or visit our website at www.dhoonyadance.com!