Dance goes beyond the dynamics of choreography. It is a process where dance becomes a way of life.
A dancer’s life is packed with gruelling schedules and back-to-back rehearsals. In such a scenario, a dancer needs to keep in mind about his/her fitness levels. I have tried several ways to keep fit; be it through Yoga, Aerobics, Gym, swimming, kickboxing, Zumba and many more.

Recently, I was introduced to another form of fitness, which has become a rage in United Kingdom and the US.
Does going to the gym sound boring to you? Does your yoga class now seem slow and lifeless? Are one of those dancers who likes to try out various forms of exercises? How about if you get your favourite Dhol Beats and Punjabi tracks to dance on? How does a feeling of dancing in a wedding sangeet party seem to you?
If you wish for something exciting and foot tapping, here comes a fresh and exciting addition to the Indian world of fitness the “Masala Bhangra” workout. I happened to try out a class at JG’s Fitness Centre headed by fitness expert Shalini Bhargava. And boy! It was super fun with so much energy that it almost felt like a performance on stage.
The “Masala Bhangra” workout is derived from two Indian words: Masala, which means “spicy” in Hindi and “Bhangra”, which is a traditional folk dance from the northern state of Punjab. The energetic workout is an exercise dance routine that modernizes the high-energy folk dance of Bhangra and the exhilaration of Bollywood moves, set in an easy flow to follow fitness format.
Later when I got talking to Shalini about it, she told me, “Masala Bhangra” workout is a unique form where dance is mixed for cardiovascular fitness with fun, and is suitable for participants of all ages and fitness levels.
This powerful workout offers a successful way for participants to become more physically active and stay fit. Today, “Masala Bhangra” is one of the top 5 workout videos to do in the US!”
For those of you who did not know about this form of workout, I must tell you that it was developed 13 years ago by Sarina Jain, a New York-based fitness celebrity, with over 20 years of experience in the field of fitness. The “Masala Bhangra” workout has served thousands of people all over the world and made them more fit and healthy with a smile on their face, A bounce in their step and loads of positive reinforcement in their spirit, needless to say leaves a more physically active, energised, enlivened and empowered body.
Many people feel that “Masala Bhangra” is similar to Zumba, but after experiencing both I feel the fun and excitement one feels after “Masala bhangra” is far different from Zumba. Where Zumba is all about hip and sensual moves with fitness, “Masala Bhangra” is all about high-energy typical north Indian moves. Well who better than we Indians to vouch for Indian moves being high energy compared to the western ones.
This workout is the latest “in thing” today in the west and I am sure it will not be long for it to become a rage in India too. We Indians love to dance and staying fit is something we are passionate about.
So when a mix is found between them, it is like finding a treasure.
Shalini and her team of trainers have been promoting this form of fitness all over India. She has had workshops and training session in many cities including, Delhi, Banga-lore, Pune, Ahmedbad and regular classes in Mumbai. So I would advice the young dancers to try out a session and experience the energy flowing more than before. It’s time to now keep smiling and stay fit the Indian way.