What is Bollywood?
Honey Kalaria asked:
Maybe it’s a bit of a simple question. I mean, everyone knows what Bollywood is right? It’s the film industry! Ahh! Well, you’ll be shocked at how many people can actually give a solid definition. This is actually a common question I get asked, because people want a REAL definition, one that actually stands.
Here’s what I’ve got to say as an answer:
Bollywood is a term that refers to the Indian film industry. People sometimes wonder why the name “Bollywood”? As the Indian Film Industry is based in Bombay, the ‘H’ from Hollywood has been replaced by the ‘B’ in Bollywood. Nearly all Indian films are musicals like the western films – ‘The sound of music’, ‘Grease’ or ‘Moulin Rouge’ and packed with songs and dances, which are sometimes referred to as Bollywood songs and Bollywood dances.
The dances can incorporate a fusion of both Eastern and Western choreography and learning Bollywood dancing can seriously transform you into quite a versatile dancer. Bollywood is one of the fastest growing dance forms in the UK, proving to be extremely popular amongst people of all backgrounds. Living in the multi-cultural society of Britain and with performing arts and entertainment becoming such a global industry, I feel that in the future, Bollywood will jump to another level on an international scale.
If you want to learn Bollywood, check out our London dance classes or get the Dance and Fitness Personal Coach Pack. When it comes to dancing, every dancer is unique. Every dancer understands Bollywood differently. Everyone gives it their own spin, their own meaning. So in helping you to become a great dancer through these emails, I want you to take a moment and think about how you define Bollywood – especially, you, the dancer.
And until next time, keep up your practice!
Caffeinated Content – Members-Only Content for WordPress
Maybe it’s a bit of a simple question. I mean, everyone knows what Bollywood is right? It’s the film industry! Ahh! Well, you’ll be shocked at how many people can actually give a solid definition. This is actually a common question I get asked, because people want a REAL definition, one that actually stands.
Here’s what I’ve got to say as an answer:
Bollywood is a term that refers to the Indian film industry. People sometimes wonder why the name “Bollywood”? As the Indian Film Industry is based in Bombay, the ‘H’ from Hollywood has been replaced by the ‘B’ in Bollywood. Nearly all Indian films are musicals like the western films – ‘The sound of music’, ‘Grease’ or ‘Moulin Rouge’ and packed with songs and dances, which are sometimes referred to as Bollywood songs and Bollywood dances.
The dances can incorporate a fusion of both Eastern and Western choreography and learning Bollywood dancing can seriously transform you into quite a versatile dancer. Bollywood is one of the fastest growing dance forms in the UK, proving to be extremely popular amongst people of all backgrounds. Living in the multi-cultural society of Britain and with performing arts and entertainment becoming such a global industry, I feel that in the future, Bollywood will jump to another level on an international scale.
If you want to learn Bollywood, check out our London dance classes or get the Dance and Fitness Personal Coach Pack. When it comes to dancing, every dancer is unique. Every dancer understands Bollywood differently. Everyone gives it their own spin, their own meaning. So in helping you to become a great dancer through these emails, I want you to take a moment and think about how you define Bollywood – especially, you, the dancer.
And until next time, keep up your practice!
Caffeinated Content – Members-Only Content for WordPress
Categories: Arts And Entertainment Tags: Arts And Entertainment, Bollywood Songs, Bombay, Choreography, Dance Classes, Dance Forms, Dancer, Dances, Fusion, Global Industry, Grease, Honey, Indian Film Industry, Indian Films, London Dance, Moulin Rouge, Musicals, Personal Coach, Sound Of Music, Western Films
London’s West End Theatre Heats Up For The Summer
Adam Singleton asked:
London may have had a washout summer, but the West end is pumping with some great new shows as well as some of the old classics.
The Lord of the Rings musical, which was premiered in Toronto, has become the world’s most spectacular, ambitious and expensive theatre show to date, taking more than four years to make and costing a total of £14.3 million. To create the different Middle Earth kingdoms, a 40 tonne rotating stage lifts and falls in 17 different sections, and 50 actors, 19 musicians and 60 stage hands work behind the scenes to ensure the 256 costume changes go smoothly as Elfin silk. The show has successfully condensed Tolkien’s epic world into a three hour singing, dancing, flying and fighting extravaganza and will please musical and Middle Earth fans alike.
Billy Elliot first opened in London’s West End at the Victoria Palace Theatre in March 2005 to huge critical acclaim, and since then has won a host of awards including Best Musical at the Oliver Awards, the Evening Standard Awards and at the Critics Circle. With music by Elton John, Billy Elliot tells the story of a young boy living in a traditional mining town in Northern England, who unlike the other boys, finds he has a talent for ballet rather than boxing. The show has gained fantastic reviews from the popular press, being haled as “beautifully uplifting”, “hilarious” and “so exhilarating, the audience didn’t want it to end”.
Dirty Dancing, a classic film from the 1980s first opened as a stage show in Australia in 2004. Since then it has achieved record breaking West End ticket sales. Just in case you’ve been living in the African outback for the last twenty years and are unfamiliar with the plot, the story is based on one of the most watched films of all time, which details the love story of a girl crossing into womanhood both physically and emotionally through a relationship with a dance instructor during a family summer vacation. Full of classic dance scenes and one of the best selling soundtracks of all time, the Dirty Dancing stage show is sure to fill you full of childhood nostalgia.
Those living outside of the capital can take a London theatre break, and there are many companies offering theatre break packages which include hotel accommodation near a theatre of your choice and tickets for your chosen performance.
So from Middle Earth to the summer of love, London’s West End is well worth a visit for theatre fans – just be sure to book early as these shows sell out fast!
Caffeinated Content
London may have had a washout summer, but the West end is pumping with some great new shows as well as some of the old classics.
The Lord of the Rings musical, which was premiered in Toronto, has become the world’s most spectacular, ambitious and expensive theatre show to date, taking more than four years to make and costing a total of £14.3 million. To create the different Middle Earth kingdoms, a 40 tonne rotating stage lifts and falls in 17 different sections, and 50 actors, 19 musicians and 60 stage hands work behind the scenes to ensure the 256 costume changes go smoothly as Elfin silk. The show has successfully condensed Tolkien’s epic world into a three hour singing, dancing, flying and fighting extravaganza and will please musical and Middle Earth fans alike.
Billy Elliot first opened in London’s West End at the Victoria Palace Theatre in March 2005 to huge critical acclaim, and since then has won a host of awards including Best Musical at the Oliver Awards, the Evening Standard Awards and at the Critics Circle. With music by Elton John, Billy Elliot tells the story of a young boy living in a traditional mining town in Northern England, who unlike the other boys, finds he has a talent for ballet rather than boxing. The show has gained fantastic reviews from the popular press, being haled as “beautifully uplifting”, “hilarious” and “so exhilarating, the audience didn’t want it to end”.
Dirty Dancing, a classic film from the 1980s first opened as a stage show in Australia in 2004. Since then it has achieved record breaking West End ticket sales. Just in case you’ve been living in the African outback for the last twenty years and are unfamiliar with the plot, the story is based on one of the most watched films of all time, which details the love story of a girl crossing into womanhood both physically and emotionally through a relationship with a dance instructor during a family summer vacation. Full of classic dance scenes and one of the best selling soundtracks of all time, the Dirty Dancing stage show is sure to fill you full of childhood nostalgia.
Those living outside of the capital can take a London theatre break, and there are many companies offering theatre break packages which include hotel accommodation near a theatre of your choice and tickets for your chosen performance.
So from Middle Earth to the summer of love, London’s West End is well worth a visit for theatre fans – just be sure to book early as these shows sell out fast!
Caffeinated Content
Categories: Arts And Entertainment Tags:
Broadway Theater New York – Is There Any Other?
Elaine Turner asked:
Broadway Theater, New York is an experience like no other. As one of New York’s top entertainment draws, it is also one of New York’s biggest tourist attractions, selling over one billion dollars in tickets annually. Broadway located in the heart of Manhattan is home to some 39 theaters, most of which host world famous productions year round. This expanse of Manhattan constitutes what is often referred to as the Theater District. Broadway Theater New York began around the year 1750, when the first theater company was established. Since then Broadway, along side London’s west end theater have been considered the ultimate in theater experience.
Broadway, as the name connotes, embodies a broad avenue in New York City. Broadway marks the eastern bounds of Greenwich Village, passing by Astor Place. One famed stretch adjacent to Times Square, where Broadway crosses Seventh Avenue in midtown Manhattan, is the dwelling of many theaters, housing a dynamical array of commercial, large-scale plays, particularly musicals. It comprises the home of Broadway theater New York. Theaters that house fewer than one hundred seats are considered off-off Broadway. One hundred to five hundred seats are considered off Broadway and greater than five hundred hold Broadway productions. The NY theater district lures talent and audiences from around the world eager to enjoy a Broadway shows such as West Side Story.
The largest reported theater today is The George Gershwin Theater, which is home to one thousand nine hundred ninety three seats. Located at 222 West 51st Street, the theater originally opened in 1972 under the name Uris. Gershwin Theater is currently staging the very popular musical “Wicked”.
The Broadway, located at 1681 Broadway, is one of only a few theaters that are actually located on Broadway. The Broadway has one thousand seven hundred and sixty one seats and is considered one of the largest theaters on Broadway. The Broadway is now playing “Shrek the Musical”.
Palace Theater situated at 1564 Broadway opened its doors in 1913 and houses approximately one thousand seven hundred and forty three seats. Palace Theater is presently home to “West Side Story”.
Marquis Theater, located at 1535 Broadway, is a newer Broadway Theater New York. Marquis opened in 1986 and seats approximately one thousand six hundred and fifteen patrons. Marquis is currently showing “Soul of Shaolin” and then coming in April, we will get to see “9 to 5″.
Currently some of the plays and musicals that are on Broadway include The Lion King, Mamma Mia, West Side Story and Shrek the Musical. Many Broadway productions are quite suitable for children although generally speaking children under the age of four years are not permitted. Visitors can obtain theater tickets for any one of Broadway shows as well as off Broadway shows in the New York theater district. Seeing a musical on Broadway in New York is not just a great night on the town it can be a rewarding experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. New York boasts a regalia of entertainment venues and Theaters to choose from. This comprises one experience you do not want to miss out on. Check us out for more information on Broadway Theater New York. See what shows are playing and in which Theater now.
Create a video blog…instantly.
Broadway Theater, New York is an experience like no other. As one of New York’s top entertainment draws, it is also one of New York’s biggest tourist attractions, selling over one billion dollars in tickets annually. Broadway located in the heart of Manhattan is home to some 39 theaters, most of which host world famous productions year round. This expanse of Manhattan constitutes what is often referred to as the Theater District. Broadway Theater New York began around the year 1750, when the first theater company was established. Since then Broadway, along side London’s west end theater have been considered the ultimate in theater experience.
Broadway, as the name connotes, embodies a broad avenue in New York City. Broadway marks the eastern bounds of Greenwich Village, passing by Astor Place. One famed stretch adjacent to Times Square, where Broadway crosses Seventh Avenue in midtown Manhattan, is the dwelling of many theaters, housing a dynamical array of commercial, large-scale plays, particularly musicals. It comprises the home of Broadway theater New York. Theaters that house fewer than one hundred seats are considered off-off Broadway. One hundred to five hundred seats are considered off Broadway and greater than five hundred hold Broadway productions. The NY theater district lures talent and audiences from around the world eager to enjoy a Broadway shows such as West Side Story.
The largest reported theater today is The George Gershwin Theater, which is home to one thousand nine hundred ninety three seats. Located at 222 West 51st Street, the theater originally opened in 1972 under the name Uris. Gershwin Theater is currently staging the very popular musical “Wicked”.
The Broadway, located at 1681 Broadway, is one of only a few theaters that are actually located on Broadway. The Broadway has one thousand seven hundred and sixty one seats and is considered one of the largest theaters on Broadway. The Broadway is now playing “Shrek the Musical”.
Palace Theater situated at 1564 Broadway opened its doors in 1913 and houses approximately one thousand seven hundred and forty three seats. Palace Theater is presently home to “West Side Story”.
Marquis Theater, located at 1535 Broadway, is a newer Broadway Theater New York. Marquis opened in 1986 and seats approximately one thousand six hundred and fifteen patrons. Marquis is currently showing “Soul of Shaolin” and then coming in April, we will get to see “9 to 5″.
Currently some of the plays and musicals that are on Broadway include The Lion King, Mamma Mia, West Side Story and Shrek the Musical. Many Broadway productions are quite suitable for children although generally speaking children under the age of four years are not permitted. Visitors can obtain theater tickets for any one of Broadway shows as well as off Broadway shows in the New York theater district. Seeing a musical on Broadway in New York is not just a great night on the town it can be a rewarding experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. New York boasts a regalia of entertainment venues and Theaters to choose from. This comprises one experience you do not want to miss out on. Check us out for more information on Broadway Theater New York. See what shows are playing and in which Theater now.
Create a video blog…instantly.
Categories: Arts And Entertainment Tags:
7 Reasons Why our Love of Theatre will Never Die
Janette Vince asked:
Many of us are fascinated by theatre and it’s easy to see why because the whole experience can be such a memorable and touching event.
Perhaps for some theatre is about the fun and excitement of a great musical, for others it’s the intriguing story brought to life or simply a way to escape from it all? Whatever the reason, there is no denying theatre has a place in many people’s hearts, and here are 7 reasons why the love of theatre will never die:
1. Watching a musical can be totally absorbing as you appreciate the skill and craft that goes into a mesmerising production. The show stopping tunes seem to sink into your mind as your left with songs that you can sing for years to come or new dance moves you can try out with your friends.
2. There’s something for everyone all year round as the appeal of theatre is diverse. It’s a place where great stories are brought to life – whether it’s through singing, dancing, riveting plot lines or fine acting delivered by a well rehearsed cast. With no one show being the same the chances are there is something unique being performed near you – whatever the time of year.
3. The ‘Play’ is an important part of our ancient history. From as far back as the ancient Greeks the play formed a key element of our community, from story telling through to providing an outlet for entertainment and escape. The ‘Play’ has always been a valued part of our culture.
4. Theatre performances are great places to go with friends and family. You’ll have fun enjoying the show and recount the scenes that moved you afterwards. You can chat about the actors you couldn’t take your eyes off as well as spend countless hours singing back all your favourite tunes from musicals.
5. Theatre is a great chance to see some of our favourite actors up close and in person. Having watched them for so many years from afar it can be a wonderful experience to take in a show and see your favourite stars take to the stage. From Richard Gere to Kim Basinger, from Sir Ian McKellan to Dame Judi Dench most great actors and actresses have graced the live stage.
6. It’s a truly live experience. There is a charm and ambience that comes from a live performance in front of a live audience. This dynamic delivers an almost electrifying presence that just isn’t possible in a cinema environment or on your wide screen TV at home [no matter how big it is].
7. Theatre offers convenient performance times. If you’re looking for an afternoon event, so you can go out in the evening, then you can catch a matinee. Or if you want to make the theatre your main entertainment at night, then you can see the evening show. This flexibility means you can fit in a performance for when it suits you. This differs a lot from many other arts and music shows that offer only one performance time a day – usually in the evening.
With all this talk of theatre, many of us can recall a time when we picked up some last minute tickets with a friend, dashed to the venue and found ourselves watching from the ‘Gods’ in the back of the theatre. Sure we still had a good time, but we couldn’t help feeling “If only we had those seats over there….”
But what if it was possible to have tickets to some of the finest seats in the house, a mouth-watering dinner and perhaps stay overnight at a luxurious hotel?
Imagine how your close friend or partner would feel if this year on your anniversary or perhaps on their birthday they were given such a gift. A gift where they could have fabulous tickets to a West End show, paint the town red and an have a luxurious overnight stay at a first class hotel in the heart of a UK city.
Originally this may have been the pastime of the wealthy and affluent, however, these wonderful weekend escapes are now in reach of all of us for that special celebration. There are a range of theatre break packages available where you an enjoy a night at a fabulous London theatre at a show of your choice with two first rate seats plus an overnight stay in a 4 star hotel in either the West End of London or pick from a selection of other UK cities.
With all the appeal it has there is no doubt that our love for theatre will never die. It offers so much, with such diversity. It’s easy to see why it makes for such a great escape and a perfect gift for that someone special this year. So what are you waiting for?
Website content
Many of us are fascinated by theatre and it’s easy to see why because the whole experience can be such a memorable and touching event.
Perhaps for some theatre is about the fun and excitement of a great musical, for others it’s the intriguing story brought to life or simply a way to escape from it all? Whatever the reason, there is no denying theatre has a place in many people’s hearts, and here are 7 reasons why the love of theatre will never die:
1. Watching a musical can be totally absorbing as you appreciate the skill and craft that goes into a mesmerising production. The show stopping tunes seem to sink into your mind as your left with songs that you can sing for years to come or new dance moves you can try out with your friends.
2. There’s something for everyone all year round as the appeal of theatre is diverse. It’s a place where great stories are brought to life – whether it’s through singing, dancing, riveting plot lines or fine acting delivered by a well rehearsed cast. With no one show being the same the chances are there is something unique being performed near you – whatever the time of year.
3. The ‘Play’ is an important part of our ancient history. From as far back as the ancient Greeks the play formed a key element of our community, from story telling through to providing an outlet for entertainment and escape. The ‘Play’ has always been a valued part of our culture.
4. Theatre performances are great places to go with friends and family. You’ll have fun enjoying the show and recount the scenes that moved you afterwards. You can chat about the actors you couldn’t take your eyes off as well as spend countless hours singing back all your favourite tunes from musicals.
5. Theatre is a great chance to see some of our favourite actors up close and in person. Having watched them for so many years from afar it can be a wonderful experience to take in a show and see your favourite stars take to the stage. From Richard Gere to Kim Basinger, from Sir Ian McKellan to Dame Judi Dench most great actors and actresses have graced the live stage.
6. It’s a truly live experience. There is a charm and ambience that comes from a live performance in front of a live audience. This dynamic delivers an almost electrifying presence that just isn’t possible in a cinema environment or on your wide screen TV at home [no matter how big it is].
7. Theatre offers convenient performance times. If you’re looking for an afternoon event, so you can go out in the evening, then you can catch a matinee. Or if you want to make the theatre your main entertainment at night, then you can see the evening show. This flexibility means you can fit in a performance for when it suits you. This differs a lot from many other arts and music shows that offer only one performance time a day – usually in the evening.
With all this talk of theatre, many of us can recall a time when we picked up some last minute tickets with a friend, dashed to the venue and found ourselves watching from the ‘Gods’ in the back of the theatre. Sure we still had a good time, but we couldn’t help feeling “If only we had those seats over there….”
But what if it was possible to have tickets to some of the finest seats in the house, a mouth-watering dinner and perhaps stay overnight at a luxurious hotel?
Imagine how your close friend or partner would feel if this year on your anniversary or perhaps on their birthday they were given such a gift. A gift where they could have fabulous tickets to a West End show, paint the town red and an have a luxurious overnight stay at a first class hotel in the heart of a UK city.
Originally this may have been the pastime of the wealthy and affluent, however, these wonderful weekend escapes are now in reach of all of us for that special celebration. There are a range of theatre break packages available where you an enjoy a night at a fabulous London theatre at a show of your choice with two first rate seats plus an overnight stay in a 4 star hotel in either the West End of London or pick from a selection of other UK cities.
With all the appeal it has there is no doubt that our love for theatre will never die. It offers so much, with such diversity. It’s easy to see why it makes for such a great escape and a perfect gift for that someone special this year. So what are you waiting for?
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Categories: Arts And Entertainment Tags:
London for Theatre Lovers
Janette Vince asked:
Love theatre? Then London is the place to be. Here are seven of the city’s most notable theatres.
The Palladium. Today, the theatre hosts large, crowd-pleasing musicals and brings in big stars. Alumni include Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland.
The Old Vic. Its alumni include the great tragedian Edmund Kean, as well as Alec Guinness, Michael Redgrave, Judi Dench, and Laurence Olivier.
The Globe. Shakespeare’s original Globe theatre no longer exists; however, the current Globe was built according to Elizabethan specifications, and watching a play there is the closest we can get to theatre as it was seen in Shakespeare’s time.
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. This theatre, located in Covent Garden, was originally one of the very few theatres in London to be granted monopoly rights to stage “legitimate”-meaning non-musical-theatre performances.
The Barbican. The Barbican Arts Centre is the largest performing arts venue in Europe. You can see theatrical performances, film screenings, musical and dance performances, and art exhibitions there.
The King’s Head. The King’s Head, located in Islington, is the earliest pub theatre in the U.K. The small area creates an intimate setting for audiences and actors alike.
The Players Theatre. For decades, the theatre was known for having the most original productions. It prides itself in being the world famous Victorian music hall in London.
London has a long and illustrious history as a centre for theatre and the arts. If you’re in town and you love theatre, consider giving one or more of these popular venues a visit.
Caffeinated Content
Love theatre? Then London is the place to be. Here are seven of the city’s most notable theatres.
The Palladium. Today, the theatre hosts large, crowd-pleasing musicals and brings in big stars. Alumni include Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland.
The Old Vic. Its alumni include the great tragedian Edmund Kean, as well as Alec Guinness, Michael Redgrave, Judi Dench, and Laurence Olivier.
The Globe. Shakespeare’s original Globe theatre no longer exists; however, the current Globe was built according to Elizabethan specifications, and watching a play there is the closest we can get to theatre as it was seen in Shakespeare’s time.
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. This theatre, located in Covent Garden, was originally one of the very few theatres in London to be granted monopoly rights to stage “legitimate”-meaning non-musical-theatre performances.
The Barbican. The Barbican Arts Centre is the largest performing arts venue in Europe. You can see theatrical performances, film screenings, musical and dance performances, and art exhibitions there.
The King’s Head. The King’s Head, located in Islington, is the earliest pub theatre in the U.K. The small area creates an intimate setting for audiences and actors alike.
The Players Theatre. For decades, the theatre was known for having the most original productions. It prides itself in being the world famous Victorian music hall in London.
London has a long and illustrious history as a centre for theatre and the arts. If you’re in town and you love theatre, consider giving one or more of these popular venues a visit.
Caffeinated Content
Categories: Arts And Entertainment Tags: