BOLLYFOLK

The Tuesday class is the next step after Wednesday Bollyfolk Open — same warm culture, deeper material, longer choreography, and a deeper dig into the cultural roots of each tradition. This semester: Cheraw & Lavani. Cheraw is the bamboo dance of Mizoram. Pairs of bamboo poles are clapped together in rhythm, and dancers step in and out of them — light feet, sharp timing, and a lot of trust in the count. Lavani comes from Maharashtra and brings a completely different energy. It's bold, theatrical, full of hip work and strong eye expression. Traditionally danced to powerful Marathi songs, it's expressive and grounded at the same time. Age 12+.

In Bollyfolk we focus on a different Indian folk dance tradition each semester. We start with the basics to build a solid foundation, then bring the movements together in a choreography set to Bollywood or traditional folk music. The class is about more than the steps. We take time to understand what sits behind the dance — where it comes from, what the music means, why people dance it, and even the traditional jewelry worn by the communities who created it. This Wednesday class is the main entry point into our Indian dance programs — come as you are, no experience needed. This semester: Garba Choreography & Khoriya. Garba comes from Gujarat — traditionally a Navratri circle dance built on light footwork, gentle claps, and a sense of community that grows through the night. In this class we work on a Garba choreography: a set piece that distils the traditional steps, rhythms, and spirit into something you can learn, repeat, and perform together. Khoriya is the women's celebration dance of Haryana — performed at weddings and harvest festivals. Strong, grounded footwork, swinging arm patterns, and folk songs that carry the joy of the village square. Age 12+.