Floor on fire

An effervescent dance form of India had a tryst with breathtakingly sensuous Cuban ballroom dance and the stage was on fire. The elegant had an affair with the vibrant and the dance world welcomed the very new genre of dance – Latin Bhangra. And it is time now that the city acquaints itself with the new member in the dance family.

Latin Bhangra Fusion Dance is one of the new upbeat styles of the Indi-Glo fusion Dance Movement series which blends the moves of the eclectic Bhangra with the sensuous Cuban movement of ballroom dancing. An effort by the director of Kala Harmony,Shefali Lahote who aims to bring together Indian and foreign dances to create a new and ethereal dance form,Latin Bhangra is first-of-its-kind to be introduced in Pune.The movement,Indi-Glo Fusion launched by Lahote aspires to take contemporary Indian dance forms to a higher level. “One of the colourful and energetic dance forms is when fused with the elegant Latin dance,a wide range of moves is what people get to swing to,” says Lahote. According to Lahote Bhangra and Latin ball room dance put together is the evidence of the efforts that were put into creating the dance form. “The research for this creation included scrutiny of dance forms around the world by actually visiting the places of origin,” Lahote elaborates.

For Lahote the movement brings together the diverse art forms and she terms it as Indi-Glo (Indian global) fusion dance movement consisting a series of fusion dances of which Latin Bhangra is the first. Easy-to-follow,fun choreography,the style comprises of innovative Indi-Glo-fusion combinations. “Through the new creative eloquence not only are a dancer’s grace,self-confidence & poise enhanced,but also his or her improvisational skills that help any dancer. The dance consists of basic and advanced modules,” she adds.

The catchy costume of Latin Bhangra consists of trousers and formal shoes as worn in the Latin dances and a kurta accompanied by a jacket as worn in bhangra. The body movement,choreography and the complete presentation of the new art according to Lahote has a strong Indian essence complimented by a foreign touch.

On being asked about the age group for whom this dance form is Lahote says,“Latin bhangra can be practiced by a person of any age group as it’s the modern sensibility which matters and especially youngsters can have a great time with this new invention.”

Shefali and her senior trainers of the school will conduct the introductory workshop from August 31.