Bollywood Night!
The Music Center presents Dance Downtown in Los Angeles Grand Park which happens every Friday night during the summertime this year from June 22 - Sept. 7. The open air venue in the park, under the stars and glowing lights feels absolutely magical. We have attended these past four years and always have an absolute blast!
There are even beginner dance lessons at various intervals starting at 7pm and the dance theme changes every other weekend. The various dance nights include; Samba, Line Dancing, Salsa, Disco, 90’s and our favorite - Bollywood Night! Alternating Fridays they feature DJ Nights from 9-midnight.
Behold, City Hall
When we arrived, it was still light out and they were making general announcements to encourage the safety and good times for all levels of dancers to participate under the lanterns. There are food trucks, a beer garden area, clean restrooms, and security and staffers eager to help answer questions and keep people safe. Set up with the backdrop of City Hall, patrons get to enjoy a cushy grass dance floor as they strut their stuff! In past years, this event was set up in front of the Dorthy Chandlier Pavillion with a wooden dance floor covering the fountain that’s typically there, but this new set up felt more spacious and free.
Crystal & Mike after dance lesson #1
Now for those of you who are thinking - “Bollywood Night, what the heck is that?” Well, Bollywood films, which originated in India, are musicals that contain catchy music, upbeat song-and-dance numbers, colorful costumes and all the glitz and glamor of big Hollywood productions. The Bollywood dance style is a beautiful blend of several classic Indian dance elements mixed with popular Western dance styles like R&B, hip hop or big Broadway musical numbers. Choreography is very repetitious and even, in terms of doing something to the left, and then to the right. And big arm movements are encouraged and celebrated in joyous fashion.
Hitting my best Bollywood pose
The dance instructor, Achinta McDaniel made it especially fun and easy for dancers to follow along and remember the steps. I especially enjoyed the three drummers up on stage being incorporated into the dance number with their rythmic beats and high energy. I really loved the follow along free-style where Achinta introduced “The Sexy Headache” and the ”Michael Jackson” move where we present ourselves then strike a pose. Something about the upbeat music, encouraging instructor and heart-pounding drums just put everyone in a good mood and there were literally smiles for miles!
Enjoy a quick video of the event below:
Resting up
After dancing for a few hours we acquired some bottled water and took a breather while the DJ played on. Looking around, there were people here of all ages, colors and backgrounds, but we all shared the love of music and dance, and that's all that mattered. If you happen to bump into someone on the dance floor, you both quickly laughed, apologized and had a new best friend to dance with. The love and positive vibes just eminated here I under the stars!
Thank for reading and watching and please join us for the final Dance Downtown September 7th for 90’s Night!
-Crystal Olguin
August 2018
