Monday, June 29, 2009

I was meant to be a Bollywood star.


Balle! Balle!

When I found out Alvin Ailey offers a class that blends Indian folk dance (Bhangra) with Bollywood-style moves, I was there faster than you can say Amitabh Bachchan. It was hands down the best dance class I have ever taken in my life and since high school I have spent a small fortune on the ripoff that is dance classes in NYC. My first dance class at Broadway Dance Center (pre- Center Stage cameo) was $12.50. Now they run at 18 bucks. 18 bucks to look like an asshole while some 8 year old girl from Asia schools you at every combination and doesn't break a sweat. Mark Morris in Brooklyn somehow has kept class rates down to 12 dollars, but its a bitch to get to and there are less classes. Ailey's extension studios are amazing. I HIGHLY recommend them. The class before mine was a West African open class- I am in love.

What I love about India is the way it just welcomes and adopts anything into its own. A priest once told me that Hindus were the hardest to convert because they would take the missionarys' crosses, put some marigold flowers on it and hang it right next to their Vishnu shrine. Everything is welcome. Cricket, technology, the film industry. And it all becomes uniquely Indian. Which means, more color, more dancing, and more numbers. Bollywood movies are definitely a guilty pleasure. I could wax academic on Satyajit Ray films, or I could just admit that I am a sucker for picking up a movie in some store in Jackson Heights with an Indian man in a shiny satin slightly unbuttoned shirt on the cover.

Speaking of which, I was in Jackson Heights with Khentse my Tibetan friend who grew up in Dharamsala. We wanted to catch a Bollywood flick but apparently there is a strike. The women in the video store we asked was REALLY PISSED about it. Warring parties included the producers and the Multiplex owners. Throw in a few disgruntled union members who haven't been paid in months and all cameras shut down. The strike ended June 5th but by the time the start shooting shipping the films, who knows how long it will be before I can enjoy my Masala Chai and jalebi while watching something just as sugary on the screen.

To catch a Bollywood film in the heart of authenticity the appropriatly named Eagle Theater
(73-07 37th Rd., nr. 73rd St.) is where to go. Jump into any store and order jalebi- only if you love honey, A LOT.

To get a Masala Bhangra workout: http://www.masaladance.com/

To indulge in some Bollywood delight to satiate yourself until you can get to the Eagle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU_rqiqeqXI

To laugh your ass off: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOgALTFzFbQ

Laugh harder: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5Pjo0WjBcs&feature=related

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