In Bengaluru, dance is the newest way to socialise

In Bengaluru, dance workshops are emerging as the new mode of socialising. From Bhangra bootcamps to Garba pop-ups, Latin socials to semi-classical Sundays, the city is in the middle of a dance revolution, one workshop at a time.
‘THESE WORKSHOPS HELP MAKE PEOPLE BELONG TO A COMMUNITY’
Chandni Jondhale, founder of Belly pop, a belly dance group in Bengaluru, says there’s a clear demand for live experiences. “People are prioritising movement, embodiment, and self-expression as part of their well-being. Belly dance, especially, is powerful because it reclaims parts of ourselves we’ve been taught to hide. So, these workshops aren’t just classes — they’re part of a movement toward holistic wellness and self-empowerment,” she shares. Brijesh Yadav, founder of New York Dance Classes, says, “Bengaluru is a melting pot of cultures, and teaching Garba or Bhangra here is about honouring the roots of these forms while opening them up to wider appreciation. It’s not cultural transplantation — it’s cultural dialogue. While Bhangra & Garba workshops are enjoyed by people of its origin, the locals also enjoy the fervour of these dances equally.” Tanya Ballal, founder of Ekisa Dancers, shares her thoughts, “More than anything, these workshops permit people to take up space—in their bodies, in the room, and the world. It creates a space where you can show up exactly as you are and still feel celebrated.”


‘DANCING WITH STRANGERS HAS MADE ME FEEL CONFIDENT’
For Shalini Puthal, dance is equal parts fun, fitness, and freedom. She says, “I go for the fun of it. And in the back of my mind, I always think of it as a movement which is necessary for the body. With strangers, I feel it’s the initial thought of being judged, but once you are out there, you see everyone is in their flow, similar to a gym where people are more focused on being better themselves to notice you. It eases my mind, so at the end of the session, it’s a great feeling of doing something fulfilling.

“DANCING IS THE BEST DIGITAL DETOX IN TODAY’S TIME”
For many, dance is not only about learning steps but also about reconnecting with themselves and others. “I am so happy to be away from my phone for some time and to do something different other than the usual work or going out and eating out. This is also an experience where your mind is occupied, and you are trying to learn something new, a step to get right or remembering what move comes after another, or even just interacting with people in person and not on the phone,” shares Shalini. Brijesh believes that for people living away from home, dance workshops offer a form of belonging. “ People show up not just to learn choreography, but to be seen, to be part of something alive. Many says it’s the best digital detox in today’s time,” he adds.