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With 'Slumdog Millionaire' playing a starring role at the Oscars, American moviegoers are more intrigued than ever by all things Bollywood. There's even been a rise in demand for Bollywood dance classes across the country.
Now, you've probably heard me complain about how I miss all things Indian and South Asian that I had limitless access to in New Jersey - food, music, clothes, dance classes, movies, you name it. So, in honor of this year's Oscars, here's a look at how we Seattleites can live it up Bollywood style and get in on the coordinated dancing and lip-syncing action:
1.) Catch a Bollywood movie at Totem Lake Cinema
This is the only spot in the Seattle area you can catch a Bollywood movie in the theater, so head on over to Kirkland for some singing, dancing, melodrama, and chai and samosas at intermission. Good fun.
2.) Buy some Bollywood tunes or rent a movie at Mayuri Video
If you like what you see over at Totem Lake, head on over to Mayuri video, where you can rent or buy the newest Bollywood hits, as well as some classic faves. Scarecrow Video in the UDistrict also carries a few Bollywood films.
3.) Learn some hot Bollywood moves at a dance class
There is no shortage of Bollywood-style dance classes in Seattle. I'm currently a student at Rhythms of India, but there are also options like private dance teachers and Bollywood/fusion classes like those at Nalini Dance.
4.) Take it to the dancefloor at an I Heart Shiva or BollyGrooves party
Finally, once you're ready to show off what you've got Shah Rukh Khan style, you can hit the dancefloor at one of Seattle's "I Heart Shiva" nights (often hosted at the Baltic Room) featuring Bollywood tunes and local DJs.
If you're new in town, the Bollywood dance classes are a great way to meet a whole new community of friends - I've seen it with my own eyes. But if you're a longtime Seattleite, you should enjoy it all the same. Bollywood or bust!
Comments
Thanks for your article. I'm not of Indian heritage but I love Shahrukh Khan and his movies so we've been to the Totem Lake theater any time one of his movies open there. I didn't know about the place to buy Bollywood DVD's so thanks for that. I buy them online up until now.
You don't mention food....what Indian restaurants in Seattle would you recommend of all that are there? We've eaten at a few but I'd love to see you opinion of Indian restaurants in the Seattle area.
Thanks for your comment! Yep, I'm a pretty big Shah Rukh Khan fan myself - he's got one playing at Totem Lake right now...
As for food, you can check out an older blog post of mine called "Curry Conundrum: Where's Seattle's amazing Indian cuisine?" (see page 7 of my posts). Just to give you a quick rundown, I'm a fan of Preet's, Tandoori Kitchen, Udupi, and Kebab House. Enjoy!
Good one !
We in India weren't aware of the impact Bollywood had on West.
Someone said correctly, "The grass is always green on the other side".
Shivani, don't forget BollyGrooves with DJ Aanshul and DJ Elad, which actually plays all the bollywood/film music one can catch...big difference between bhangra music and bollywood music and calling it bollywood such as I heart Shiva being predominently all bhangra.
Thanks for your comments Shelly. Ah, how could I forget BollyGrooves? Thanks for the suggestion!
As for "I Heart Shiva" - you're right, a lot of what they do is bhangra. But on their site, they have many Bollywood-specific events listed - so you can get your dance on in a variety of fun desi forms :)
My Indian friend in NYC says all rodes Lead to NJ. Is that True?
We Jersey S. Asians certainly like to think that's true...
We have Bollywood / Bhangra Dance Classes in Seattle too with Mollie Singh. She has been dancing her whole life and even performed for President Bush Sr. Come check out her classes on Thursdays 7:30-9:00pm. We are centered between the I-90 (S Rainier Exit) and I-5 (Dearborn Exit). Classes are at Skin Deep Dance. 206-322-9500
Plus, we have Queen Harish coming in April teaching a Bollywood Workshop and Rajasthani Gypsy Dance + Performance @ Spice Box Theater
Dance with Mollie is now at Motion and Rest in Ballard (Seattle). Learn Bhangra and Bollywood dance and choreography Thursday nights from 7:30-9:00pm.
Mollie Singh of Dance with Mollie has a fantastic series of classes! She is great at teaching the steps, getting you motivated. Then ending with her choreography is always fun. She teaches right near UW - check her website - dancewithmollie.com
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