Ever watched a Bollywood film and felt drawn to those colourful, energetic dance sequences? You're not alone. Bollywood dance has taken the world by storm. It combines classical Indian movements with modern styles to create something special. And here's the best part. You don't need years of training to start dancing. These 10 moves will have you dancing like a Bollywood star soon.
Maybe you're preparing for a wedding. Or you want a fun fitness routine. Or you just want to try something new here in Manchester. These foundational steps give you access to Bollywood dance.
What is Bollywood?
Bollywood is India's Hindi language film industry based in Mumbai. The name comes from combining Bombay (Mumbai's former name) and Hollywood. These films are known worldwide for their elaborate song and dance sequences that appear throughout the movies. Unlike Western films where music might play in the background, Bollywood films feature full choreographed dance numbers as part of the story. The actors sing, dance, and act, often in stunning locations with colorful costumes and large ensemble casts.
Bollywood produces more films annually than Hollywood, making it one of the largest film industries in the world. The Bollywood dance style you see in these movies has become a cultural phenomenon that people around the globe now learn and practice.
What Makes Bollywood Dance Special
Bollywood dance isn't just one style. It blends classical Indian dance forms like Kathak and Bharatanatyam with folk traditions like Bhangra, plus Western influences from jazz, hip hop, and contemporary dance. That blend is why it’s so approachable for beginners: you can start simple, then build detail, control, and expression as you go.
The best part? Bollywood dancing gives you an incredible workout. It builds your cardiovascular fitness, improves your coordination, increases your flexibility, and boosts your confidence. Plus, you'll have so much fun that you'll forget you're exercising.
Why Learning Foundational Bollywood Dance Moves Is Important
Most beginner choreography is built from repeatable patterns. When you know the building blocks, you’ll:
learn routines faster in class
hit musical accents more clearly
feel more confident in group dances
add expression (the part that makes it look “Bollywood”, not just “steps”)
The 10 Essential Bollywood Moves for Beginners
Here are ten Bollywood dance moves that every beginner should know:
THE THUMKA (HIP HIT/ HIP SWING)
The classic Bollywood hip accent - cheeky, punchy, and you'll see it everywhere.
How to do it:
Stand feet just wider than hips, soft knees.
Shift weight to the left foot and “hit” the left hip out.
Switch to the right and repeat.
Add a relaxed upper body so it doesn’t look stiff.
8-count cue: Hit L (1), centre (2), hit R (3), centre (4), repeat (5–8).
Common mistake: moving your whole torso side-to-side.
Fix: keep your ribs calmer; let the hip do the talking.
BHANGRA-STYLE ARMS & SHOULDER BOUNCE
A celebratory Punjabi-inspired energy (big smiles encouraged).
How to do it:
Lift arms overhead, elbows soft.
Alternate shoulder bounces (up-down, up-down).
Add wrist circles (as if turning lightbulbs).
Bounce lightly through the knees.
Common mistake: locking elbows.
Fix: keep arms springy so the move looks alive.
THE CLASSIC SHOULDER SHIMMY
A very fast, quick, repetitive movement of the shoulders
How to do it:
Keep knees soft, feet grounded.
Push one shoulder forward while the other pulls back.
Keep the movement small and rhythmic (don’t over-throw it).
Common mistake: tensing your neck.
Fix: relax the jaw and keep shoulders low while they move.
THE “SRK ARMS” (OPEN ARMS MOMENT)
Drama, romance, “main character energy”. This shows up in a lot of beginner lists because it’s simple and iconic.
How to do it:
Start arms by your sides.
Open wide on the beat like you’re welcoming a crowd.
Add a small step forward (or a slow turn) for extra effect.
Common mistake: rushing it.
Fix: stretch it across 2–4 counts so it looks intentional.
HIP TWIST & HEAD TILT
A classic Bollywood combo: hips mark the rhythm while the head adds style.
How to do it:
Step slightly forward on the right foot.
Twist hips to the right, then centre, then left.
Add a gentle head tilt on the accent (not every count).
Common mistake: tilting your head constantly.
Fix: save it for the “hit” moments.
THE 'HEARTBEAT' (DIL MOVE)
A small chest pulse that suits romantic tracks.
How to do it:
Hand over heart, other hand at waist.
Step side-to-side gently.
Add a small chest pulse on the beat.
Common mistake: making the chest pulse too big.
Fix: keep it subtle.
SIDE TAP & ARM WAVE
The ultimate beginner building block (easy, clean, looks great in groups).
How to do it:
Tap right foot to the side, then bring it back.
Repeat on the left.
Add smooth arm waves travelling outward.
Common mistake: dragging the tap.
Fix: keep taps sharp so it matches the music.
THE JUMP STEP (ENERGY LIFT)
What it is: light hops that instantly level up the energy.
How to do it:
Start feet together, soft knees.
Hop on the beat (both feet or alternating).
Land quietly, think “spring”, not “thud”.
Common mistake: heavy landings.
Fix: bend knees on landing to protect ankles and knees.
LIGHT STAMPING/ RHYTHMIC FOOTWORK
What it is: that grounded rhythmic feel borrowed from classical/folk influence.
How to do it:
Keep upper body calm.
Mark a simple rhythm with light stamps.
Add hand gestures or head accents once the feet feel steady.
Common mistake: stomping too hard.
Fix: aim for rhythm, not volume.
WRIST ROLLS
What it is: easy hand detail that upgrades any move.
How to do it:
Extend arms (front/side/overhead).
Circle wrists smoothly.
Add soft fingers (not stiff claws).
Common mistake: spinning wrists with locked arms.
Fix: keep elbows soft so the motion travels.
Putting It All Together
Learning individual moves is just the beginning. Here's how to develop your Bollywood dancing skills.
Start Slow and Build Speed - Don't rush. Practice each move slowly until you understand the mechanics. Then gradually increase speed as you build confidence.
Use a Mirror - Watching yourself helps you refine your technique. It also helps you develop the expressive facial gestures that make Bollywood dance so engaging.
Feel the Music- Bollywood is as much about emotion as technique. Let the music guide your movements. Don't be afraid to express yourself.
Practice Combinations - Once you're comfortable with individual moves, try linking 2 or 3 together. For example, thumka into shoulder shimmy into Shah Rukh Khan arms. Or side tap into hip twist into Bhangra arms. Or wrist rolls into jump step into classical footwork.
Add Your Personality - Bollywood dance celebrates individuality. Add your own flair, expressions, and energy to make each move uniquely yours.
A 5-minute Beginner Practice Routine (Save This)
Set a timer for 30 seconds each and loop it once:
Thumka
Bhangra arms
Shoulder shimmy
SRK arms
Hip twist + head tilt
Heartbeat move
Side tap + arm wave
Jump step
Light stamping footwork
Wrist rolls (layer on top of any of the above)
Do this 3 times a week for a month and you’ll feel the difference fast, especially with confidence and musical timing.
Common Beginner Mistakes (And Quick Fixes)
Here are a few mistakes commonly made when people first start Bollywood dancing.
Too stiff: soften knees, breathe, let your shoulders drop.
No facial expression: Bollywood is storytelling: smile, react, play.
Rushing: slower practice first, speed later.
Not listening to accents: pick one “hit” per 8-count and commit to it.
The Health Benefits of Bollywood Dance
Beyond the joy and cultural experience, Bollywood dancing offers impressive health benefits.
Improve cardiovascular fitness while working the whole body
Builds confidence, posture and stage presence
Improves coordination, rhythm and musicality
Increases your flexibility and fluidity
Reduces stress and lifts mood through upbeat music
Encourages creativity and emotional expression
Creates a strong mind–body connection
Offers a fun, social and beginner-friendly way to stay active
Ready to Learn Bollywood Dance in Manchester with Fiera?
Fiera offers numerous opportunities to practice, perform, and connect with others through dance. Maybe you're preparing for a wedding. Or you want a unique fitness activity. Or you simply want to try something new. Bollywood dance classes provide a welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone.
Ready to take the first step? Join our Bollywood dance classes in Manchester where you'll learn these moves and much more in a fun, supportive environment. Perfect for complete beginners. No experience necessary. Click here to book your first class.
FAQS About Bollywood Dance for Beginners
How long does it take to learn these basic moves?
Most beginners can learn these fundamental moves within 3 or 4 weeks with regular practice. But truly mastering them takes consistent practice over several months. The nuances, timing, and expression develop with time.
Do I need to be flexible to start Bollywood dancing?
Not at all. Bollywood dance actually helps you become more flexible over time. Start where you are. Your flexibility will improve as you practice.
What should I wear to practice?
Comfortable, stretchy clothing that allows freedom of movement works best. Leggings, loose trousers, or flowing skirts all work well. Many dancers practice barefoot, but lightweight trainers are also fine.
Can men learn Bollywood dance?
Absolutely. While some moves have traditionally feminine styling, Bollywood dance is for everyone. Many of the most famous Bollywood dancers are men. The style offers plenty of powerful, dynamic movements.
Is Bollywood dance good for fitness?
Yes. It gives you an excellent cardio workout. It also improves your coordination, balance, and flexibility. Many people find it more enjoyable than traditional gym workouts because it doesn't feel like exercise.
Do I need to know Hindi to dance Bollywood?
Not at all. While understanding the lyrics can help with expression, the music's rhythm and emotion are what drive the dance. Many successful Bollywood dancers worldwide don't speak Hindi.