SEMI-CLASSICAL
KATHAK X BOLLYWOOD
SWAPNIL
Indian semi-classical dance is a genre that merges the elegance of classical Indian forms—here, Kathak—with the richness of folk and other Indian styles. It preserves the grace, expressive qualities, and technical precision of classical dance while allowing for fluid, innovative movements.
This intermediate-level class takes your Kathak skills further, exploring intricate footwork, expressive hand gestures, and storytelling, while introducing the essential elements of Taal (rhythmic cycles) and Bols (rhythmic syllables). You’ll learn to feel the rhythm, express it through your movements, and bring it to life in choreography.
By the end of the semester, you’ll perform a full dance routine that blends tradition with creativity, mastering both technique and rhythm. This class is ideal for students who have completed Level 1, attended an intensive with Swapnil, or have any prior Kathak experience.
Elevate your skills, dive deeper into rhythm, and let your dance tell its story!
Are you eager to join our Indian Semi-classical classes with Swapnil beginning in February 2026?
As we only offer a level 2 class, we strongly suggest taking part in the Indian dance Winter Intensive with Swapnil from January 30 to 1st Feb 2026 beforehand. This intensive will establish a strong foundation in the essentials of Semi-classical, ensuring you maximize your experience in the upcoming classes.
SEMESTER 2: FEB - JUN 2026
SEMI-CLASSICAL
Level 2
WEDNESDAY 20:30 - 21:30
Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
€195
12% Discount for students (under 25 years)
80% Social Discount with UiTPAS
14 sessions
Language: EN/NL
Age group: 12+
SEMESTER 1: SEP 2025 - FEB 2026
SEMI-CLASSICAL
Level 2
WEDNESDAY 20:30 - 21:30
Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
€168/ €148 for students (-25j)
80% Social Discount UiTPAS
14 sessions
Language: EN/NL
Age group: 12+
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.
