JUNIORS FAQDo Dance Masala classes operate on public holidays?

Yes! Dance Masala classes are operational on all public holidays (during the term)!

What is Bollywood?

Bollywood is India’s Hollywood – known for it’s epic tales of love and betrayal, punctuated by fast paced, high-energy dance sequences. Bollywood is the city of dreams, Eastern escapism through the silver screen. Bollywood dance mixes Classical Indian influences, and folk dance with all other styles, creating lively fusion. The style is cheeky, energetic, emotive and theatrical.

How shall I pay for classes? Do you accept pre-payments?You can pay for classes in advance or on a casual basis. Payments can be made in advance, via cash or bank deposit for the entire term upon receipt of an invoice. If you want to pay for classes on a casual basis we accept cash only – there are no credit card / eftpos facilities at our venues..

What should I wear?Comfortable exercise clothing with stretch that can breathe. Leggings are recommended, so you can see clearly what your legs are doing, to make sure you don’t injure yourself by doing something wrong. Bollywood dance is done in bare feet. You are welcome to wear socks or jazz shoes.

What should I bring?A bottle of water, a small towel, a can-do attitude and a sense of humor!

Does Dance Masala do other styles of dance?Currently, Dance Masala are Brisbane’s Bollywood specialists, and do no other styles of dance. Bollywood dance incorporates a wide range of other related styles including folk, hip hop, mujra,

semi-classical and more! Dance Masala’s mission is to create inspiring Bollywood-fusion, while actively engaging in classical roots of Bollywood and the influence of regional specific folk-dance.

What are the different classes you offer?

We offer Bollywood dance classes in Adult Fundamentals (technique and open beginner), Beginner and Intermediate / Advanced. Intermediate Teens classes and Juniors classes split up by age. Juniors 3 is 3.5 years to 5 years. Juniors 2 is 6 to 8 years. Juniors 1 is 9 to 13 years. Open Juniors (on Mondays) is age 6-13. Most children in this class are on the older side.

What is the Drop Off/ Pick Up procedure for kids?

Parents are to drop off their children by checking in with the administration assistant at the front desk. If this is your child’s first time at Dance Masala, please arrive early to register, receive a welcome pack and settle in. If your child is a regular, you will still need to check in with our administration assistant so your child will be marked off. We are in a busy area so for your child’s safety we prefer to see you pick up your kids, and not have the kids run out the door unsupervised.

How are the Juniors grouped?Juniors are grouped strictly according to age. We do not rank the kids according to abilities. We believe there is room for every child to shine doing Bollywood dance. A Young Performer Extension Program is something we may look at in the future.

What will my child be learning?Our teaching philosophy focuses on teaching Bollywood fundamentals. Technique-wise, we prioritize musicality, development of body alignment and technique, building dance abilities, more technical movements and faster choreography

as your child progresses. We introduce basic classical mujras, and develop expression and theatricity through drama-based games. We also encourage the kids to create some of their own steps, and choreographies; fostering ownership, pride and developing confidence, while learning to work together in a group. In Juniors 3 we concentrate on sweet Mehndi songs. A Mehndi night is the night before the wedding, when the bride and the bride’s close friends and family decorate their hands, arms and feet with henna. There is a tradition of dancing on these nights. These are the songs we select for ur youngest dancers in Juniors 3. In Juniors 3, we work to build a small repertoire of reference movements to strengthen their understanding of Bollywood. We also discuss the sort of dance it is, the meaning, and the context.

In Juniors 1 and 2, we focus on high-energy and peppy songs. We try and have a variety of song styles and dance influences throughout the year. These include comedy-based songs, story-telling songs, some semi-classical songs, Bollywood Jazz and hip-hop influences Bollywood.

What will my child be working towards?

Dance Masala does a performance every term. Towards the end of the year, we will also have an informal, Christmas Concert for the kids. This concert is one part performance, one part games and one part food and all good fun!.

Are you insured?Yes, of course we are!

What is your policy on bullying?Dance Masala has a zero tolerance policy on bullying of any kind. If we see your child being put in an uncomfortable position, or if your child informs us that they are being bullied, we will actively have a conversation about it with both children. If a parent is heard talking negatively about another child, this is strictly against the values of shared respect that we hold dear in Dance Masala, and they will be asked to leave.

What about sickness? Do you make up missed classes?

Dance Masala do not offer credits, refunds or make-up classes if a student misses class. We support our students through practice videos, and (for adults) access to our Facebook student group. We encourage and welcome students arranging their own practice sessions and can introduce you to students in a similar position, to help each other. If a large number of students have missed class, an additional workshop will be offered. Additional workshops are not included in the term fees and an extra fee will be charged. Alternately, a student can book a private session to catch up (or share the costs of a private with another student or two). Privates are $75 for ad hoc private sessions.

What do I need to know about performances?Performances are the best part about Bollywood! Bollywood’s history in Indian cinema makes it an ideal dance style to perform. You will need access to a Bollywood costume. We will give you advice on how to attain one, and the correct styling. Bindis and bangles are also encouraged! It’s all about the bling.

We are hoping to soon offer affordable sets for purchase between $80-100AUD

What do I do if I have a friend who'd like to come along?Send us an email with your friend’s name and the class they are hoping to join. Classes, and anything to do with exercise, are always more fun with a friend. Not only will it strengthen your friendship, it’s a mutual motivator! Just make sure we have room for them, before coming to class by emailing us.

Will photographs be taken?Sometimes, yes! We take photo and video documentation at our performances, and very rarely take photos for documentation and press at our classes. An image release is part of your Welcome Package. It is important for us that our students look their best, so don’t worry, unsuitable photos will not even make it past editing.

How long have you been teaching and how long has the studio been running?Dreas has been teaching Bollywood dance for 6 years, Dance Masala started in December of 2012. It has grown massively since then!

How are you different from other Bollywood teachers and studios?We pride ourselves on fantastic choreography as well as excellent teaching. You will walk out of our classes sweaty, smiling and ready to show off your Bollywood moves. Students are supported online, with practice videos and tools to take their dance to the next level; as well as full access to the Dance Masala community; to organise independent practice session and meet-ups. Dance Masala prioritises technique development, and can provide many opportunities for you to take your Bollywood to the next level. Dance Masala strives to create an environment where our younger dancers can explore their own abilities while developing confidence and pride; as well as coordination, strength and focus.

Dance Masala’s principal Drea has been teaching and performing in Brisbane for over six years and is interested in creating an inclusive, fun-filled learning environment. She is confident that she can get you and anyone dancing, Bollywood style! She wants her students to realise their full potential, and to do it through a solid foundation of good teaching, encouragement and positive affirmation.

What is the general outline of a lesson?All our classes follow the same basic structure. We begin each class with a namskar, which is a traditional welcome to give thanks and ask for permission to stomp on the earth. The class then moves into a warm up and isolations. The central element of the classes focuses on learning new movements and building them into a new dance each term. The end of the class is a cool down and stretches to ensure that dancers are caring for their bodies.

What results can I expect?Your child will glow with confidence performing with Dance Masala, while embracing the joyous, colorful energy of Bollywood dance. Along with the practice videos, and nurturing tuition, your child will have the tools to give them that boost of confidence to shine on stage come performance day.

JUNIORS FAQ