Break out of your shell with Bollywood

Willow Chang is the first to admit she likes to toe the line when it comes to traditional dances. "I’m a granny at heart," she said.

So don’t expect sparkly, skin-baring costumes and risqué movements at her "Hooray for Bollywood" class at the Still & Moving Center.

Chang, who holds a bachelor’s degree in dance from the University of Hawaii, has studied classical Indian and Balinese dance, flamenco, Argentine tango, ballet and modern dance. She said YouTube videos and shows such as "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance" have caused an evolution in all dance forms, even those that are centuries old.

"I’m just not quite there yet. I like to stay true to the traditional Indian dances," she said.

"In Bollywood there is a message to share, a story to tell. People here can relate to those components because of hula. In Bollywood there’s always a happy ending — good triumphs over evil."

Thanks to the popularity of "Slumdog Millionaire" and other movies with an Indian flair, Bollywood culture has become a global phenomenon that embraces many forms and styles of dance, said Chang, who will perform at the Bollywood Dance Festival next month in Athens, Greece. She said Bollywood dance can adopt qualities of pop culture while staying true to traditional dances of India.

Her class is both enjoyable and aerobic. You can definitely work up a sweat. We started out with a warm-up and learned basic foot patterns. The movements are fun and fluid, but the shimmies and butt-sashaying may be awkward for some. My suggestion: Just follow along and try to get lost in the lively music.

"Sometimes it’s easier to channel a persona for the dance, like the shy girl. People seem to be more comfortable role-playing," Chang said. "It can be easier to do things big. Bollywood uses a lot of external energy. It’s nice to see people crack out of their shell."

We practiced "mudra," hand gestures that connect the thumb and first two fingers, leaving the ring and pinkie fingers extended (katakaamukha). We rotated our wrists and extended all of the fingers into an open lotus-like position (alapadma) before going back to the mudra, in intervals of one, two, four and eight to develop dexterity and flexibility in the hands. My forearms, which apparently don’t get a regular workout, were talking to me the next day.

"It’s all about pretty hands," Chang said.

While other dance forms might use the limbs as mere extensions, the hands are expressive in both belly dance and Bollywood, she explained.

Chang tries for symmetry in the routines so both sides of the body get an equal workout. She uses counts and rhythm patterns to break things down, along with visuals, to make it easier to follow along.

Retired Circuit Judge Marie Milks has been taking Bollywood and belly dance classes for about three years and lets her two grandchildren tag along.

"I like the opportunity to be transported into a different element of expression — a dimension that is totally unexpected of me," Milks said. "I guess it’s a little bit of escapism. It is truly fun and enjoyable, and I feel I get a good workout in the process."

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“Tryouts” features exercise and wellness classes and other fitness activities. Reach Nancy Arcayna at narcayna@staradvertiser.com or call 529-4808.