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Learn movement sequences with a Bollywood influence
Learn movement sequences with a Bollywood influence
Teacher dance resource developed by The Arts Unit
Years 7 to 10 dance
What will I learn?
What will I learn?
You will:
perform a variety of combinations, sequences and dances with increasing fluency, precision and articulation
apply the elements of space, time and dynamics to personalise dance movement
select and refine movement to communicate an idea
describe how the body is used in space, time and dynamics in dance performance and composition.
Before you begin
Before you begin
Today you will be learning from renowned Hindi choreographer, Shyamla Eswaran.
Shyamla is a Sydney-born performing artist and choreographer of Indian heritage who works to promote cross-cultural interactions, diversity and belonging through the arts. She was recently awarded the Australian National Maritime Museum Arts and Culture Medal for her work.
In 2018, Shyamla was part of the Schools Spectacular choreographic team creating the piece 'A Thousand and One Nights' for over 120 dancers.
In this Creative Class, Shyamla will lead you through cultural dance movements to teach you how to move like dancers in Bollywood films (the Hindi-speaking film industry in India).
You will also learn about the dramatic facial expressions and traditions of the Bollywood dance style.
Before you begin, make sure you have:
a clear space to dance safely
a scarf.
Photo credit: Anna Warr
Safety tips for online movement classes if you wish to participate
Safety tips for online movement classes if you wish to participate
When you decide to take part in these activities you agree to the following:
You have been given approval from your parent/caregiver prior to starting
You will clear a spot big enough to give you space to move around. Be sure there are no coffee tables, plants or chairs in the way.
Be aware of any pets or small humans that may sneak into your dance space.
Check the height of ceiling fans and light fittings so the area is clear as you reach above your head.
You will wear comfortable clothing that allows a full range of movement.
This will include appropriate footwear:
Sneakers, socks, ballet slippers, jazz shoes or bare feet.
You may have to adjust based on the flooring you are dancing on.
Bare feet may be better than ballet slippers on a slippery floor. Socks may be better on carpet.
Be careful if you are on a rug on a slippery floor.
If you have an injury or a medical condition please follow the advice of your health professional. It is suggested you view the exercises beforehand and adjust according to your limitations. Ask your parent/caregiver if you are unsure.
Please stay safe, listen carefully to all the instructions.
If you study dance please think about your knowledge of safe dance practice as you execute the instructions.
- Warm up
Watch Shyamla’s introduction of the Bollywood style of dance.
Introduction
Duration: 01:23
Photo credit: Anna Warr
Photo credit: Anna Warr
Warm up following Shyamla’s instructions.
Warm-up
Duration: 01:292. Learn
2. Learn
Learn the breakdown of the Bollywood movements from the video.
Breakdown of movements
Duration: 04:57
Thumka (to hit)
Village walk
Whistle
Kollywood (Tamil) footwork 1
Kollywood (Tamil) footwork 2
Kollywood (Tamil) footwork 3
Follow the instructions in the chorus video and demonstrate the movement sequence:
Kollywood (Tamil) footwork – 4 counts
whistle – 4 counts
booty shake – 4 counts
village walk – 4 counts
tap shoulders – 2 counts and shake – 2 counts
tap hips – 2 counts and shake – 2 counts
give me – 4 counts
walk back to start – 4 counts.
Chorus movements
Duration: 01:363. Girls' sequence
3. Girls' sequence
Learn the breakdown of the girls’ sequence from the video.
Be sure to have your scarf ready!
Girls' sequence
Duration: 01:28Sequence breakdown
Shyness
Overhead
Hide
Spin
4. Boys' sequence
4. Boys' sequence
Now learn the boys' sequences from the video.
You can learn both sequences. If you are learning with others you might like to divide up the parts to put together.
Sequence 1
Flip your chapati (roti) flatbread
Throw alapadma (lotus flower)
Clap
Appeal
Sequence 2
Hopeful
Unsure
Bollywood pose
Call
Thumka
5. Putting it all together
5. Putting it all together
Demonstrate the sequences together with the music.
Share your performance with your teacher.
Create your own movement sequence using the movements you have learnt throughout these activities.
You can put the movements in any order you like.
Share your choreography with your teacher.
6. Appreciate
6. Appreciate
Enjoy watching the performance of 'A Thousand and One Nights' choreographed by Shyamla for the 2018 Schools Spectacular.
A Thousand and One Nights – Schools Spectacular 2018
Duration: 03:457. Reflect
7. Reflect
Reflect on what you have learnt today.
What did you notice about the facial expressions in Bollywood dance?
Describe the types of shapes you made in the ‘village walk’. Why do you think the movement is performed like this?
How did you find working with the scarf? Did you have to think about your coordination?
When creating your movement sequence, what did you focus on the most?
Watch Shyamla’s end of class video.
Thank you
Duration: 00:40You have completed this
@The Arts Unit Creative Class.
Namaste – I bow to you
Shukriya – Thank you
Third-party content attributions
Third-party content attributions
Schools Spectacular 2019 images photographed by Anna Warr.
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