Khan has choreographed the most intricate numbers by her innovation and classical dance based techniques.
New York:
When Thomas Friedman said that the world was flat, and everybody has the same opportunities, Bollywood dance was not what he was talking about. But in today's world, if you are a New Yorker with a passion for Indian film dancing then you could learn from one of the Bollywood's greatest choreographers.
At the newly-formed Institute of Bollywood Dance and Film (IBDF), students get instruction from legendary choreographer Saroj Khan.
According to Rujuta Vaidya, the founder of the institute, the idea is to provide a place of learning for performers looking for potential careers in Indian films. "Saroj Khan is my Guruji and I have been learning from her for the past 10 years now, going back and forth from India, but as Bollywood has been globalizing it is important to give dancers training here. As people are choosing Bollywood as a career path we need a place for them to go and get the correct training," explains Rajuta.
Khan has choreographed the most intricate numbers by her innovation and classical dance based techniques.
Her choreography has graced some of the most iconic songs in Bollywood. She has worked wonders with superstars like Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi. But teaching Americans has its own challenges.
"My dances have a lot of facial expressions and that is a challenge for them. For example, it is difficult to explain to them how to feel shy because it is not in their nature," explains Khan.
Still, for Indian Americans and dancers who are enthralled with Bollywood this is an opportunity of a lifetime. As a resident of New Jersey who attended the workshop gushed, "I was a dancer growing up and I never thought I would ever get to meet Saroj Khan, let alone dance with her and have her give me pointers so it's a good feeling."
At the newly-formed Institute of Bollywood Dance and Film (IBDF), students get instruction from legendary choreographer Saroj Khan.
According to Rujuta Vaidya, the founder of the institute, the idea is to provide a place of learning for performers looking for potential careers in Indian films. "Saroj Khan is my Guruji and I have been learning from her for the past 10 years now, going back and forth from India, but as Bollywood has been globalizing it is important to give dancers training here. As people are choosing Bollywood as a career path we need a place for them to go and get the correct training," explains Rajuta.
Khan has choreographed the most intricate numbers by her innovation and classical dance based techniques.
Her choreography has graced some of the most iconic songs in Bollywood. She has worked wonders with superstars like Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi. But teaching Americans has its own challenges.
"My dances have a lot of facial expressions and that is a challenge for them. For example, it is difficult to explain to them how to feel shy because it is not in their nature," explains Khan.
Still, for Indian Americans and dancers who are enthralled with Bollywood this is an opportunity of a lifetime. As a resident of New Jersey who attended the workshop gushed, "I was a dancer growing up and I never thought I would ever get to meet Saroj Khan, let alone dance with her and have her give me pointers so it's a good feeling."
