BOLLYFOLK DANCE CLASSES IN GHENT
Indian folk dance
BOLLYFOLK AT SHOONYA
Day:
Tuesday
Where:
Studio Aakash (2nd Floor)
Teacher:
Swapnil Dagliya
Levels:
Open Level
Language & Age:
EN/NL | 12+
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Start Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
End Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Total: 14 Sessions
Time: 18:30 - 19:30Schedule:
Feb: 10, 24
Mar: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Apr: 21, 28
May: 12, 19, 26
Jun: 2, 9
Note: No class Feb 16–22 (Krokusvakantie) or Apr 6–19 (Paasvakantie).
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Details for our Fall/Winter semester are currently being finalized. Please check back in May for the full schedule and pricing.
Understand the Culture, Learn the Dance
Bollyfolk Open Level - For all dancers
In Bollyfolk, we focus on different Indian folk dance traditions every semester. We start with the basics to build a solid foundation, and then bring those movements together in a choreography set to Bollywood or traditional folk music.
But this class goes beyond just learning the steps. We take the time to understand the culture behind the movements—the history of the dance, the meaning of the music, the reason why it is danced, and even the traditional jewelry worn by the communities who created it.
Whether you are looking for a welcoming introduction to Indian dance or want to build on your existing movement vocabulary, this class gives you a deeper, authentic connection to the culture.
This Semester's Focus: Ghoomar & Dalkhai
In the new semester, we’ll step into another vibrant chapter of Bollyfolk—blending the cinematic spirit of Bollywood with two powerful regional dance traditions.
We will explore Ghoomar from Rajasthan, focusing on its graceful, sweeping twirls, smooth momentum, and grounded elegance. Then, we will contrast it with Dalkhai, which brings a completely different energy: dynamic footwork, sharp rhythmic accents, and the spirited storytelling of Western Odisha. Traditionally performed during festivals, Dalkhai is expressive, playful, and deeply connected to the region’s cultural pulse.
Expect a semester filled with contrasting textures and a rich movement vocabulary!
What to wear & bring:
Please wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows you to move freely; a Kurta is also welcome if you have one! Bollyfolk involves intricate footwork and is traditionally danced barefoot to help you connect with the floor. Be sure to leave your street shoes outside before entering, and bring a water bottle for this high-energy class!
Select Your Level & Register
Bollyfolk - Open Level
When: Tuesday, 18:30 - 19:30
(14 sessions)Price: €173
12% Discount for students (under 25 years)
80% Social Discount with UiTPAS
Meet Your Instructor
Swapnil Dagliya
Swapnil Dagliya is the artistic director and co-founder of Shoonya Dance Centre in Ghent, Belgium. Born and raised in Pune, India—near Mumbai, the heart of Bollywood—he grew up immersed in the vibrant world of Indian film music and dance. He blends his Indian roots with training in ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary dance to make Indian dance more accessible and relatable to international audiences.
He is a certified instructor with Learn Bhangra® and holds a diploma in Indian folk dance, with deep expertise in traditional forms like Garba, Rajasthani dances such as Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, and other folk styles from across India. His formal training includes graduation from the Broadway Dance Center in New York and advanced studies at Opus Ballet in Florence, Italy, where he trained with renowned teachers and international artists.
From 2008 to 2018, Swapnil led his own dance school in India—SPACE (Swapnil’s Performing Arts & Contemporary Ensemble)—and taught dance and theory at Lalit Kala Kendra – University of Pune and Flame University, mentoring many young dancers.
His journey with movement began in childhood through yoga, guided by his grandmother, a student of B.K.S. Iyengar. In 2011, he completed his yoga teacher training in Pune, a foundation that continues to influence his approach to choreography and teaching today.
Now based in Belgium, Swapnil teaches regular classes at Shoonya Dance Centre and leads ABC a Bollywood Company. He is also the curator of the annual Gent India Dans Festival, a celebration of the richness and diversity of Indian dance in the heart of Ghent.
Perfect Pairings
Remember: Students taking multiple weekly classes automatically receive a discount at checkout!
