BOLLYFOLK & BOLLYWOOD

What is Bollywood?

Bollywood dance or the dance of the Indian film industry, is a captivating fusion dance style. Known for its vibrant energy, expressive movements, and catchy music, Bollywood dance has gained popularity worldwide as a joyful and entertaining dance form. In our classes, students explore the dynamic fusion of Indian folk dance and western influences, learning exciting choreographies set to Bollywood songs while immersing themselves in the spirit of this iconic dance style.

SWAPNIL

FEB - JUN 2025

  • BollyFolk

    In the second semester, we will dive into the energetic mix of Bollywood and Indian folk styles, featuring lively forms like Lavani from Maharashtra, Dalkhai from Odisha, and Kalbeliya from Rajasthan, all within a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.

    Experience the vibrant cultural richness of India while keeping fit to the energetic beats of BollyFolk! Join our community of dance enthusiasts in Ghent, where the dance floor transforms into your canvas for cultural expression.

    This class is designed for dancers of all levels, providing a fantastic opportunity to broaden your Indian dance repertoire at Shoonya. Embrace the essence of BollyFolk and deepen your connection to India’s rich traditions.

    Open Level
    TUESDAY 18:30 - 19:30
    Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
    €192/ €169 for students (-25j)
    16 sessions

    Language: EN/NL

    Age group: 12+

  • Bollywood

    After completing one semester or a year of Bollyfolk, you are invited to join the Bollywood class. Here, we focus on developing a solid foundation in technique, footwork, and hand movements. Students then weave these elements together to create vibrant choreographies that change each semester, showcasing a blend of upbeat jazzy tracks, folk-inspired melodies, and gentle, flowing routines.

    Level 2
    THURSDAY 18:30 - 19:30
    Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
    €192/ €169 for students (-25j)
    16 sessions

    Language: EN/NL
    Age group: 12+

    *Students new to Bollywood are recommended to join the BollyFolk classes on Tuesday

  • Bollywood

    Designed for intermediate dancers with at least three years of experience in any dance style or some background in Indian dance (classical or folk), this level challenges participants with complex choreographies. The focus shifts towards refining style, expressing emotions, and honing technical skills.

    For those seeking further opportunities, students at this level can join Swapnil's ABC, a bollywood company that explores the rich world of Indian dance in more depth.

    Level 3
    THURSDAY 19:30 - 20:30
    Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
    €192/ €169 for students (-25j)
    16 sessions

    Language: EN/NL
    Age Group: 12+

    *Students new to Bollywood are recommended to join the BollyFolk classes on Tuesday

SEP 2024- JAN 2025

  • BollyFolk

    Experience the dynamic fusion of Bollywood and Indian folk styles like Kalbeliya, Bihu & Ghantu in a fun and inclusive environment.

    Dive into the rich cultural tapestry of India, staying fit with the energetic beats of BollyFolk. Connect with a community of dance enthusiasts in Ghent and let the dance floor be your canvas for cultural expression.

    Open to dancers of all levels, this class is a fantastic addition to your current Indian dance repertoire at Shoonya. Unleash the spirit of Bollyfolk and build a deeper connection with the rich traditions of India.

    Open Level
    TUESDAY 18:30 - 19:30
    Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
    €156/ €138 for students (-25j)
    13 sessions

    Language: EN/NL

    Age group: 12+

  • Bollywood

    This class starts with building a strong foundation in technique, simple footwork, and hand movements. Students then combine these elements into exciting choreographies that vary each semester, featuring a mix of uptempo jazzy numbers, folk-inspired songs, and soft flowy routines.

    Level 2
    THURSDAY 18:30 - 19:30
    Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
    €156/ €138 for students (-25j)
    13 sessions

    Language: EN/NL
    Age group: 12+

    *Students new to Bollywood are recommended to join the BollyFolk classes on Tuesday

  • Bollywood

    Designed for intermediate dancers with at least three years of experience in any dance style or some background in Indian dance (classical or folk), this level challenges participants with complex choreographies. The focus shifts towards refining style, expressing emotions, and honing technical skills.

    For those seeking further opportunities, students at this level can join Swapnil's ABC, a bollywood company that explores the rich world of Indian dance in more depth.

    Level 3
    THURSDAY 19:30 - 20:30
    Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
    €156/ €138 for students (-25j)
    13 sessions

    Language: EN/NL
    Age Group: 12+

    *Students new to Bollywood are recommended to join the BollyFolk classes on Tuesday

SWAPNIL DAGLIYA

Swapnil hails from India, born and raised in Pune, not far from Mumbai, the Bollywood city of India. Since his birth, he has been immersed in the music and dance of the Bollywood (Indian film dance) world. He uses his experience in ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary dance to make Indian dance more accessible to people outside of India.

Swapnil Dagliya, artistic director and co-founder of Shoonya Dance Centre, graduated from the prestigious Broadway Dance Center in New York, specializing in ballet, modern jazz, contemporary, and other dance forms. He furthered his training at Opus Ballet in Florence, Italy, where he honed his skills under the guidance of experienced instructors and collaborated with renowned artists. His professional experience also includes running his own dance school, SPACE (Swapnil's Performing Arts & Contemporary Ensemble), from 2008 to 2018. During this time, he served as the director and curator of AVAYAVA, a contemporary dance festival in India since 2012. For many years, he taught dance and theory at two universities in India (Lalit Kala Kendra - University of Pune and Flame University).

Swapnil's passion for yoga began in his childhood. He completed his yoga teacher training in 2011 in Pune, India. His grandmother, who learned yoga directly from B.K.S Iyengar, imparted her knowledge to Swapnil from an early age, teaching him yoga asanas, yogic philosophy, and mantras. This foundation in yoga has influenced his approach to dance and movement.

In addition to his diverse dance background, Swapnil has also completed an Indian folk dance diploma. He possesses expertise in Indian folk dance, including the vibrant and energetic dance style of Bhangra.

He now conducts regular classes at the Shoonya Dance Centre and has launched an Indian dance company in Ghent called "ABC a Bollywood Company."