Bhangra Dancing is the New Fitness Craze

From the Punjabi region of Northern India to the fertile shore of Los Angelos and NYC. Bhangra dancing Is the “New”, old dance that is taking the fitness world by storm. It’s upbeat music and easy-enough-for-any-one-to-do dance moves, has people clapping and dancing.. and losing weight.

Bhangra has it’s roots in the Bhaisakhi harvest festival of Northern India. When Dhol drummers would bring their drums into the fields and play them faster and faster for the harvest workers to dance as they prepared to bring in the harvest. It is a celebration of joy, and that joy is infectious… and addictive.

Part of the reason for Bhangra’s success, is, as my friend said when he caught me doing it, “Anybody can do this, you don’t have to be an athlete”, Two of Bhangra’s main moves are : the shoulder shrug, an up and down movement where you shrug your shoulders as if saying “I don’t know”, and a simple step where you put one foot in front of the other touching your heel to the floor and pointing your foot up. It’s that simple. And it’s that addictive. The upbeat movement of the music and swinging motion of some of the steps often causes a situation where it’s easier to keep dancing to to stop… And it can burn over 400 calories an hour.

Where do you learn Balle Balle?

If you are lucky enough to live in a city like NYC or San Francisco, you can probably get lessons at your local health club. If not, don’t despair there are several excellent DVD’s and videos out. My current favorite is, “Bhangra Jam Workout”, by Sarina Jain. Sarina Jain, is credited with bringing Bhangra to the USA, she teaches classes at the, New York Sports Club, in Manhattan, as well as the,Clay Spa, and other locations. Check her website www.masaladance.com for her schedule and DVD’s. She’s high energy and if you aren’t fond of the words “HUP” and “awesome” you might want to skip it for, “Bhangra Aerobics”, by Veera Mahajan

Balle balle ! Dance those pounds away !