Hooray for Bollywood!

New York Open Center - Bollywood Dancing

Bollywood Dancing
a course at The New York Open Center
with Pooja Narang

Bollywood Dancing, one of the hottest current dance styles around the world, is the basis of nearly every Indian film. It fuses traditional Indian with jazz and modern dance forms, and now integrates the high-energy beats of Bhangra, hip-hop and other world music. It will keep you moving and make you want to dance non-stop. Pooja Narang is renowned as a Pied Piper of Indian Dance and, in this class, she will teach us the timing, rhythm, energy and expressive movements of Bollywood Dance, so that we move every part of our body and have a full workout and great fun. If you are looking to escape into the dream world of Bollywood and learn the dances of India’s top film stars, this is the class for you.

Note: Each class will include a warm-up and cool-down. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and non-slip footwear (such as lightweight athletic shoes); wear two layers so that one can be removed if you get too hot; tie long hair back; don’t eat at least 45 minutes before class; and bring water.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(6 sessions) Thursdays
July 10–August 14, 6–7:30pm
08SAD06T
Members: $100 / Nonmembers: $110

Pooja Narang, a gifted dancer, choreographer, singer and actress, studied classical Indian dance forms as well as Bhangra in India, and jazz and hip-hop in London. She founded the Bollywood Axion Dance Company in NYC and successfully trains many actresses for dance roles in Bollywood films.

Franganillo's free tango class at NYOC

This coming Monday, the New York Open Center will offer a free Introduction to Argentine Tango, taught by Mariela Franganillo of the Broadway production of Forever Tango:

A gifted teacher who has given workshops across the U.S., Canada and Japan, Mariela Franganillo is known for being the first to begin a tango practica (an extensive tango instructional program) in NYC. She brings a fresh enthusiasm for tango that is melded with polished skills, years of experience and a legacy that stretches back to the golden era of tango.

In a safe, noncompetitive atmosphere, we will be taught how to properly connect to our partners, to the music and others around us. We will learn to lead, follow and walk. By the end of the class, we will be able to dance the powerful and sensual Argentine Tango.

Note

For beginners and experienced dancers. No dance experience is required. Leading and following open to both sexes. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes in which you can easily slide and turn.

Monday, April 14 (6pm)
Code: 08WSL09T
FREE

Weekly class begins the following week:
(5 sessions) Mondays, April 21–May 19 (6pm–7:15pm)
Code: 08WSL09T
NYOC Members: $80 / Nonmembers: $90

Mariela Franganillo, born and raised in Argentina, is a dancer, choreographer and producer, has taught at Stanford and now resides in NYC. She has performed at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall and is currently on Broadway in Forever Tango.

Get rhythm with Alessandra Belloni

Body and Soul podcast interviewee Alessandra Belloni presents her workshop, Rhythm is The Cure at the New York Open Center, Sunday, April 6 (10am-5pm).

New York Open Center
83 Spring St # 1, Soho, Manhattan
212-219-9635

Admission: Open Center Members: $120 / Nonmembers: $130

email: aracelybrown@yahoo.com

Southern Italian folk dances and rituals are joyous and healing forms of music and dance therapy. In this workshop, we’ll learn ancient Neapolitan chants used to invoke the healing power of the sun and to honor the Black Madonna. In this way we request miracles and healing in our lives. A central part of the workshop will be learning the dance Pizzica Tarantata, which originated as a ritual to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula. In the Pizzica students will dance inside a circle of tambourine players. Each student will take a turn inside the circle, learning the fast steps and wild rhythms of the Pizzica. Part of the ritual takes place on the floor—on a white sheet, surrounded by red ribbons—and the dance involves spider-like movements, as if emerging from a spider web. We’ll also learn the Tammurriata, a sensual dance from Naples, and a Calabrian spinning dance similar to trance-inducing movements of Sufi dances. We’ll experience how dance, drumming and music allow us to release anxiety, relax sexual blocks, open the heart and liberate our expression. This brings the mind and body into a state of total relaxation.

Note: Participants will be barefoot. Women should wear skirts, and, if possible, everyone should wear white clothes. Please do not wear black. Tambourines will be provided, but you may bring your own.