BOLLYFOLK & BOLLYWOOD

Indian dance

SWAPNIL

Bollyfolk - Level 1

In the new school year, we’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant world of BollyFolk — blending the cinematic flair of Bollywood with powerful Indian folk styles like Tippani from Gujarat and Rajasthani folk (including Ghoomar and Kalbeliya).

Tippani is a rhythmic and energetic folk dance traditionally performed by women, using long wooden sticks to create pulsating beats — a celebration of strength, unity, and joy.

Expect high energy, deep rhythms, and rich storytelling through movement. From Tippani’s bold percussive steps to the swirling grace of Rajasthani dance, this class offers a doorway into India’s living traditions — right here in Ghent.

Bollywood - Level 2

After completing one semester or a year of Bollyfolk, you are invited to join the Bollywood Level 2 class. Here, we focus on developing a solid foundation in technique, footwork, and hand movements. Students then weave these elements together to create vibrant choreographies that change each semester, showcasing a blend of upbeat jazzy tracks, folk-inspired melodies, and gentle, flowing routines.

Bollywood- Level 3

Designed for intermediate dancers with at least three years of experience in any dance style or some background in Indian dance (classical or folk), this level challenges participants with complex choreographies. The focus shifts towards refining style, expressing emotions, and honing technical skills.

For those seeking further opportunities, students at this level can join Swapnil's ABC, a bollywood company that explores the rich world of Indian dance in more depth.


SEMESTER 1: SEP 2025 - FEB 2026

BOLLYFOLK

Level 1
TUESDAY 18:30 - 19:30
Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
€168/ €148 for students (-25j)
80% Social Discount UiTPAS
14 sessions

Language: EN/NL

Age group: 12+

BOLLYWOOD

Level 2
THURSDAY 18:30 - 19:30
Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
€168/ €148 for students (-25j)
80% Social Discount UiTPAS
14 sessions

Language: EN/NL

Age group: 12+

BOLLYWOOD

Level 3
THURSDAY 19:30 - 20:30
Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
€168/ €148 for students (-25j)
80% Social Discount UiTPAS
14 sessions

Language: EN/NL

Age group: 12+

FEB - JUN 2025

  • A 2025 calendar showing Tuesday Bollyfolk sessions, 16 open-level sessions. Calendar dates marked are in February, March, April, May, and June. Holidays: Krokusvakantie on March 2-9 and Paasvakantie on April 6-20.

    BollyFolk

  • Calendar for Bollywood dance sessions in 2025, scheduled on Thursdays from February to June, excluding March 2-9 and April 6-20.

    Bollywood

  • Calendar for Thursday Bollywood sessions in 2025, covering February to June. Includes session dates and holidays: Krokusvakantie (Feb 2-9), Paasvakantie (Apr 6-20).

    Bollywood

A group of people participating in a dance event, led by a person in traditional attire. The leader is wearing a headset and performing a dance move with hands raised. The background shows various participants following the lead.

SWAPNIL DAGLIYA

Swapnil hails from India, born and raised in Pune, not far from Mumbai, the Bollywood city of India. Since his birth, he has been immersed in the music and dance of the Bollywood (Indian film dance) world. He uses his experience in ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary dance to make Indian dance more accessible to people outside of India.

Swapnil Dagliya, artistic director and co-founder of Shoonya Dance Centre, graduated from the prestigious Broadway Dance Center in New York, specializing in ballet, modern jazz, contemporary, and other dance forms. He furthered his training at Opus Ballet in Florence, Italy, where he honed his skills under the guidance of experienced instructors and collaborated with renowned artists. His professional experience also includes running his own dance school, SPACE (Swapnil's Performing Arts & Contemporary Ensemble), from 2008 to 2018. During this time, he served as the director and curator of AVAYAVA, a contemporary dance festival in India since 2012. For many years, he taught dance and theory at two universities in India (Lalit Kala Kendra - University of Pune and Flame University).

Swapnil's passion for yoga began in his childhood. He completed his yoga teacher training in 2011 in Pune, India. His grandmother, who learned yoga directly from B.K.S Iyengar, imparted her knowledge to Swapnil from an early age, teaching him yoga asanas, yogic philosophy, and mantras. This foundation in yoga has influenced his approach to dance and movement.

In addition to his diverse dance background, Swapnil has also completed an Indian folk dance diploma. He possesses expertise in Indian folk dance, including the vibrant and energetic dance style of Bhangra.

He now conducts regular classes at the Shoonya Dance Centre and has launched an Indian dance company in Ghent called "ABC a Bollywood Company."

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