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Top 10 Bollywood Dance Moves Every Beginner Should Learn (With a 5-Min Practice Routine)

Updated: Jan 3

Bollywood dance is fun, expressive and full of energy, and it tends to pull people in without much effort. If you’ve ever watched a Bollywood film and found yourself wanting to move along to the music, you’re not alone. That mix of classical Indian movement and modern styles is what makes it so easy to enjoy, even for complete beginners.


Bollywood dance is made up of simple, repeatable steps, so it’s not as intimidating as it might look – and you don’t need any dance experience to get started either!


If you're looking for a fun way to stay active, want to learn Bollywood for a wedding, or just fancy trying something new in Manchester, Bollywood classes are a great place to start.


In this blog, you'll learn basic moves that typically feature in most beginner Bollywood classes and help you feel comfortable as soon as you step into the studio.


What is Bollywood Dance?

Bollywood dance comes from India’s Hindi-language film industry in Mumbai, blending classical forms like Kathak and Bharatanatyam with folk styles such as Bhangra and Western dance influences. Known for its energetic, fully choreographed routines in films, it combines rhythm, storytelling and expression.


This mix makes Bollywood dance accessible for beginners, as moves can start simple and gradually build in detail, control and flair. It is a popular dance style for anyone looking to start a new hobby, meet new people and improve their overall health.


What Are The Health Benefits of Bollywood Dance?

Bollywood dance provides both physical and mental health benefits, making it ideal for beginners and experienced dancers alike. Here are some of the key benefits you can enjoy from practising Bollywood dance:


  • Improves cardiovascular fitness while engaging the whole body

  • Builds confidence, posture and stage presence

  • Strengthens coordination, rhythm and musicality

  • Increases flexibility and fluid movement

  • Reduces stress and boosts mood through upbeat music

  • Encourages creativity and emotional expression

  • Strengthens the mind–body connection

  • Provides a fun, social and beginner-friendly way to stay active



Why Learning Foundational Bollywood Dance Moves Is Important

Most beginner Bollywood choreography is built from repeatable patterns. When you know the foundational building blocks to Bollywood dancing, you’ll be able to:


  • 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”)

  • Be able to genuinely enjoy the routine, rather than worry about the next step



The 10 Essential Bollywood Moves for Beginners

Here are ten Bollywood dance moves that every beginner should know:


1) The Thumka (Hip Hit/ Hip Swing)

The thumka is one of the most recognisable Bollywood movements and a great place for beginners to start. It’s all about accenting the hips to the rhythm, which helps you feel the beat in your body. You’ll see this move across countless songs, often with attitude or playfulness, making it both fun and confidence-boosting.



How to do the Thumka:

  1. Stand with your feet just wider than your hips, and have soft knees.

  2. Shift your weight to the left foot and “hit” the left hip out.

  3. Switch to your right and repeat.

  4. 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.


2) Bhangra-Style Arms & Shoulder Bounce

The Bhangra-style arms and shoulder bounce move brings in the joyful, celebratory energy Bollywood is known for. Inspired by Punjabi Bhangra, it combines bouncy shoulders with lifted arms and instantly raises the energy of a routine. Beginners love this step because it feels freeing, expressive and looks impressive without being complicated.


How to do Bhangra-style Arms and Shoulder Bounces:

  1. Lift your arms overhead, elbows soft.

  2. Alternate shoulder bounces (up-down, up-down).

  3. Add wrist circles (as if turning lightbulbs).

  4. Bounce lightly through the knees.


Common mistake: locking elbows.

Fix: keep arms springy so the move looks alive.


3) The Classic Shoulder Shimmy

The shoulder shimmy is a fast, repetitive shoulder movement that adds texture and rhythm to Bollywood choreography. It’s often used in upbeat sections of a song and helps beginners learn isolation without needing complex footwork. Small, controlled shimmies tend to look best and feel easier to manage.


How to do the Shoulder Shimmy:

  1. Keep your knees soft, feet grounded.

  2. Push one shoulder forward while the other pulls back.

  3. Keep the movement small and rhythmic (don’t over-throw it).


Common mistake: tensing your neck.

Fix: relax your jaw and keep your shoulders low while they move.


4) The “SRK Arms” (Open Arms Moment)

The “SRK Arms” is a classic Bollywood move named after Shah Rukh Khan (often called SRK), one of Bollywood’s most iconic actors. It uses open arms to express confidence, drama, and emotion. This move is easy for beginners and focuses on timing, posture, and stage presence rather than footwork.


How to do SRK Arms:

  1. Start with your arms by your sides.

  2. Open wide on the beat like you’re welcoming a crowd.

  3. 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.


5) Hip Twist & Head Tilt

The Hip Twist & Head Tilt is a common Bollywood combination that layers rhythm and style. The hips mark the beat while the head adds expression, helping beginners avoid moving everything at once. This move improves coordination and makes choreography look cleaner and more polished.


How to do a Hip Twist and Head Tilt:

  1. Step slightly forward on your right foot.

  2. Twist hips to the right, then centre, then left.

  3. Add a gentle head tilt on the accent (not every count).


Common mistake: tilting your head constantly.

Fix: save it for the “hit” moments.


6) The ‘Heartbeat’ (Dil Move)

The ‘Heartbeat’ (Dil Move) is a soft Bollywood step used in slower, romantic songs. It introduces gentle chest movement in a controlled way, helping beginners connect emotion to movement. This step focuses more on feeling and expression than energy, making it an easy and effective contrast to faster choreography.


How to do the Dil move:

  1. Put one hand over your heart, and the other hand at your waist.

  2. Step side-to-side gently.

  3. Add a small chest pulse on the beat.


Common mistake: making the chest pulse too big.

Fix: keep it subtle.


7) Side Tap & Arm Wave

The Side Tap & Arm Wave is a foundational Bollywood move used in many beginner routines. The simple side tap keeps the footwork easy, while the arm wave adds flow and style. This move helps beginners stay in time with the music and move confidently in group choreography.


How to do Side Taps and Arm Waves:

  1. Tap your right foot to the side, then bring it back.

  2. Repeat on the left.

  3. Add smooth arm waves travelling outward.


Common mistake: dragging the tap.

Fix: keep taps sharp so they match the music.


8) The Jump Step (Energy Lift)

Jump steps are used in Bollywood routines to lift the energy and create excitement. They don’t need to be big or high to work well. For beginners, this step is about learning how to move lightly and confidently while staying connected to the music.


How to do the Jump Step:

  1. Start with your feet together, and have soft knees.

  2. Hop on the beat (both feet or alternating).

  3. Land quietly, think “spring”, not “thud”.


Common mistake: heavy landings.

Fix: bend knees on landing to protect ankles and knees.


9) Light Stamping/ Rhythmic Footwork

Light stamping, or rhythmic footwork, is a Bollywood footwork step that focuses on rhythm and timing rather than power. It helps beginners develop control and musical awareness. This move builds timing, control and musical awareness without using force.


How to do Light Stamping/ Rhythmic Footwork:

  1. Keep your upper body calm.

  2. Mark a simple rhythm with light stamps.

  3. Add hand gestures or head accents once the feet feel steady.


Common mistake: stomping too hard.

Fix: aim for rhythm, not volume.


10) Wrist Rolls

Wrist rolls are small details that instantly elevate Bollywood movement. They’re easy to learn and can be added to almost any step. For beginners, wrist rolls are a great way to practise softness and flow in the arms without overthinking the rest of the body.


How to do Wrist Rolls:

  1. Extend your arms (front/side/overhead).

  2. Circle your wrists smoothly.

  3. Make sure you have soft fingers (not stiff claws).


Common mistake: spinning wrists with locked arms.

Fix: keep elbows soft so the motion travels.



Bollywood Dance Practice Tips for Beginners

Learning individual moves is just the beginning. Here are some simple tips to help you develop your Bollywood dancing skills effectively:


  • Start slow and build speed over time - 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 SRK 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 Bollywood Beginner Practice Routine

Here is a quick and easy Bollywood dance routine that you can practice in 5 minutes. Set a timer and practice each move for 30 seconds.


  1. Thumka

  2. Bhangra arms

  3. Shoulder shimmy

  4. SRK (Shah Rukh Khan) arms

  5. Hip twist + head tilt

  6. Heartbeat move

  7. Side tap + arm wave

  8. Jump step

  9. Light stamping footwork

  10. Wrist rolls (layer on top of any of the above)


Top Tip: Practise this routine 3 times a week for a month to build confidence, rhythm, and musicality.


Want to see how these moves come together in real choreography? Watch our groom choreography video below and try following along for fun and extra practice!



Common Bollywood Dance Beginner Mistakes and Fixes

Here are a few mistakes commonly made when people first start Bollywood dancing.


  • Too stiff. Quick fix - soften knees, breathe, let your shoulders drop.

  • No facial expression. Quick fix - Bollywood is storytelling: smile, react, play.

  • Rushing. Quick fix - slower practice first, speed later.

  • Not listening to accents. Quick fix - pick one “hit” per 8-count and commit to it.


Ready to Learn Bollywood Dance in Manchester with Fiera?

Looking to try Bollywood dance in Manchester? Fiera offers a range of dance classes where you can practise, perform, and connect with others. If you’re preparing for a wedding, searching for a unique fitness activity, or just want to try something new and meet like-minded people, our Bollywood classes provide a welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone.


Book your first Bollywood dance class in Manchester with Fiera to start learning fun and beginner-friendly moves in a supportive, fun, and motivating environment. No experience is required.


We also offer Bachata, Reggaeton, and women-only dance classes, so you can explore different styles, find your favourite, and keep your dance journey exciting. For any questions or queries, check out our FAQs or contact us today! 


FAQS About Bollywood Dance for Beginners

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) 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.

5) 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.

6) 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.


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