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Dance Party – Dancing in the Dark Bollywood Edition

March 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

$5
Lights with Bollywood Dancers

Taking inspiration from Shira Gregory’s Dancing in the Dark event at WWA, we are adding a Bollywood spin to it! March is the holiday of Holi, an Indian Spring festival that celebrates color, love, and the arrival of a new season. The perfect way to spend this day is by dancing! Enjoy this unique experience with some Indian tunes. 

PURCHASE TICKET HERE
If you are planning on attending PLEASE purchase your ticket. We can only run the event if we have enough tickets sold!

For accessibility needs, please review our Accessibility Features.  You can also reach out to Kimberly@westwindsorarts.org with questions regarding this event.

Shivani Badgi is an Indian American professional dancer  Host Shivani Badgi is an Indian American professional dancer and business owner specializing in Kathak and Lavani (traditional Indian dance forms). A resident of West Windsor since age 6, she attended the WWP schools. She has performed on stages such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Consulate General of India, United Nations, Theater for the New City, Longwood Gardens, and at Florida’s Disney World. Shivani graduated from Rutgers University with majors in Psychology and Human Resources and a dance minor. Afterwards, she explored fundraising in the arts and worked with the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. In 2017 she founded The Gurukul Performing Arts, her own performing arts school with branches in NJ and NYC. She believes in art’s power to bring a community together.

festive Bollywood dancing
What is it?

Dancing In The Dark is a one-of-a-kind dance experience designed to eliminate the barriers of self-consciousness and social judgment. The dance party takes place in a dark, dimly lit room, and is an exclusively chat and socialization-free zone. Participants are welcome to socialize outside the dance room, but once you’re on the dance floor, it’s dance time only!  The combination of the darkness and removal of any pressure to socialize frees participants to fully immerse themselves in the joy of their body’s movement to the beat. There’s no set choreography or steps to follow; participants are encouraged to dance in any style or form that the music inspires within them. We will ensure that folks are given enough personal space to be able to express themselves freely and safely, and after the first ten minutes, your eyes will adjust to the dimly lit environment comfortably. The aim is to create an inclusive, safe, and liberating environment where participants can fully express themselves through the art of dance, unburdened by the discomfort of being perceived while getting their groove on.

What kind of music will there be?
The music will be Bollywood songs through the decades, with a special emphasis on Holi! Even if you are unfamiliar with Bollywood music or movies, we encourage you to come out and experience this one-of-a-kind event! 

What if I don’t know how to dance Bollywood style?
No knowledge of Bollywood is necessary! Even if you don’t understand the words, we promise the melodies and rhythms will keep you moving and engaged. 

Who should attend? 
Dancing in the Dark is designed for anyone who wishes to move their body to the music, regardless of any background in dance or movement.  All levels of experience are welcome, novices included! Knowledge of Bollywood or Bollywood music is not necessary, come enjoy the event you love in a different style!

Audience age – Kids to adults. For kids, age 5 and over- be sure there is an understanding of the event so you can make the most out of it. Parents must stay for the event for anyone under the age of 18. Minors cannot be dropped off to attend the event. 

What do I wear?
Comfortable clothes to dance in (sneakers are encouraged). Folks with sensitive hearing should bring whatever ear protection they might wear to a concert. Anything white is encouraged! We will be celebrating Holi, an event of colors! 

Do I need to bring anything?
Yourself and a water bottle to stay hydrated! 

What to expect?
The room is dark and the rules are simple: No talking, no circle-forming, no wall-flowering (as in, no stepping off the dance floor to watch others). Brief water breaks are allowed, but then you jump back in: Outside the room it’s cool to talk and hang out but if you’re in the dance room, you’re there to dance! In a dimly lit setting, individuals have the opportunity to embrace uninhibited expression in a friendly, non-threatening atmosphere. Participants can dance without concern for appearances, completely losing themselves in the music. Dancing in the Dark celebrates the sheer joy of dancing without an audience, making it a unique and liberating experience for everyone involved.

 

Details

Date:
March 21
Time:
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Cost:
$5

Other

Age Group
All ages