BOLLYFOLK & BOLLYWOOD

Indian dance

SWAPNIL

Bollyfolk - Open Level

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 1/2

In this course, we build a strong foundation in Bollywood dance—developing technique through footwork, hand movements (mudras), and expressive coordination. Students gradually bring these elements together in choreographies that evolve each semester, featuring a mix of upbeat, folk-inspired, and lyrical routines.

This year’s focus: A Madhuri Dixit medley!
Known for her grace, expressions, and timeless dance numbers, Madhuri Dixit is one of Bollywood’s most iconic dancers. From high-energy hits to elegant classics, her style is the perfect inspiration to help students explore range, emotion, and performance quality in their dance.

Join us as we celebrate her legacy through a joyful and dynamic medley!

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

A purple academic calendar for the Bollyfolk program for the 2025-2026 year, showing session dates for September through February, including holiday dates in Dutch for fall and Christmas vacations.

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+

A calendar with a purple background displaying Bollywood class dates for the 2025-2026 academic year, with session dates marked in pink for each month from September to February, including holiday notes and semester information.

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+

A man in traditional Indian attire performing a dance during a cultural festival, surrounded by people in colorful outfits. He is smiling and lifting one leg while holding his arms out, with a large banner in the background reading 'FESTIVAL'.

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.

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