Become a part of the Bollywood dream, enjoy a much needed release after a stressful day or a fun group activity for friends or coworkers! No experience necessary. Dhoonya offers customized private lessons, workshops, wedding choreography and weekly classes. See schedule below.

Cancellations  or Missed Classes 

1. Classes are non-refundable but make-ups are allowed within 6 months of purchase.  

2. If a student misses a pre-paid class, they may make-up the class during another day/time offering of their same class or in any of the drop in courses as long as the course is at the same level or below. Email info@dhoonyadance.com to reserve your new spot.

3. Dhoonya Dance reserves the right to cancel any class due to low enrollment. Enrolled students will receive the option of transferring their payment to another course or will receive a refund.

4. In the event that an instructor must cancel a class for personal or non-weather related reasons and is unable to find a substitute, the instructor will either offer a make up class before the start of the next session or will extend classes to make up the time.

 5.Class cancellations due to inclement weather or events out of Dhoonya Dance’s control, will be emailed and posted on the website (www.dhoonyadance.com). Classes canceled for these reasons will not be rescheduled; however students may make up the class in the same manner as a “missed class”. For courses such as Kids classes where other classes are not readily available, any member of the family can use the class credit towards a dropin class or class they are not already enrolled in. PLEASE NOTE THAT REFUNDS CANNOT BE ISSUED DUE TO CANCELLATIONS OUTSIDE OF DHOONYA DANCE CONTROL.

Instructors  and Announcements 
6. Students are responsible for checking email or other announcement modes (as informed by the instructor) to stay abreast of changes in course, class announcements, or other course information.

7. Email is the primary mode of communication for Dhoonya Dance staff. If you have a YAHOO email account, please change your settings to allow the following email addresses: * “your instructor’s first name”@dhoonyadance.com (I.e., kajal@dhoonyadance.com)

8. Dhoonya Dance reserves the right to have substitute teachers for classes. All efforts will be made to provide a Dhoonya Dance instructor as a substitute. 

Liability  and Additional Payment  
9. Dhoonya Dance is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property. Dhoonya Dance, the School, and its instructors are not liable for any injuries sustained during the class or on the studio premises. Dhoonya Dance reserves the right to bar any person from class premises based on disruptive behavior and/or at management or instructor discretion.

10. Additional costume fees may be required for courses that have performances. However, all performances are voluntary.

11. Returned checks incur a $35 processing fee. 

Studio  Rules 
12. No food or drink other than water is allowed in the dance studio

13. Dhoonya does not allow guests to observe classes as it is disruptive to the students. Parents for children in Tots classes must receive instructor permission to observe class in the dance studio. Most studios have a waiting area for parents/guests to sit during class time. 

Dress  Code 
14. Kids should wear their Dhoonya Dance t-shirts to class along with stretchable pants (please no jeans or skirts!).

15. Adults can wear comfortable workout clothing.

16. Students can dance in bare feet or may wear ballet or rubber-soled jazz shoes (no black or hard-soled shoes or sneakers please). We recommend that you do not dance in socks as it is easy to slip and get hurt.

FAQs

Q1: What kind of dance style does Dhoonya teach?
A1: Dhoonya Dance teaches Bollywood-inspired dance, incorporating folk and semi-classical dances from South Asia. We also incorporate a lot of Pop Bhangra moves as this style has become extremely popular in Bollywood music. We do not claim to teach pure traditional or classical dance, but rather use those forms as a foundation for our curriculum.

From time to time, Dhoonya Dance offers workshops that are more style specific, such as BollyNatyam or BollyHipHop.  Please see Q8 below for descriptions of these courses. For more information or schedule information, check our updated schedules under the "Take a Class" tab and/or contact info@dhoonyadance.com

Q2: Where do you offer classes?
A2 – DC area:
McLean, VA 1 - James School of Dance: Offering Kids classes for all age groups
McLean, VA 2 - Off of Towlston Rd: Offering Kids and Adults classes
Arlington, VA - Saffron Dance Studio: Offering Adults BollyBasics and Techniques courses
Vienna, VA - Born2Dance Studio: Offering all Kids and Adults courses
Rockville, MD - Studio 310: Offering Kids classes for all age groups
Takoma Park, MD - Liz Lerman Dance Exchange: Offering Adults BollyBasics

A2 – NYC area:
Chelsea area: Dance Theater Workshop and Chelsea Studios: Offering Adults BollyBasics and Techniques courses
Broadway Bodies: Adults Workout course
Brooklyn - Everyday Athlete Studio: Offering DhoonyaTots course

Please visit www.dhoonyadance.com to register and for more information. We also have regular workshops in various locations so please check the website for updates or sign up to be included in our listserv.

Q3: What are the differences between the various Adults classes that you offer?
A3: We offer 3 types of Adults classes within our core curriculum: Dhoonya Workout, BollyBasics, and Performance Techniques.

During the Workout course, students will learn short and simple routine(s) with movements that target the main muscle groups. Consistent attendance of this class will increase toning of the glutes, quadriceps, calves, hamstrings, inner and outer thigh as well as the shoulder, arms, and abs. The fast paced and energetic music lends to high intensity movements that will automatically provide a great cardio workout as well. Movements will be taken from Dhoonya's BollyBasics and simplified so that students can focus more on the correct way to do each step to get the best fitness effects rather than on learning a complicated routine.

During the BollyBasics course, students will learn the fundamentals of Bollywood and Pop Bhangra dance. This class is dedicated to learning, reviewing, and repeating basic body movements and steps in a simple choreographed manner. Several short song sequences will be taught during the course, with greater emphasis placed on fundamentals. This course is designed for dancers who want a great cardio workout that focuses more on rhythm, energy, and fun!

During the Techniques courses (Levels 1-3), students will learn a complete Bollywood dance sequence from start to finish. In addition to choreography, students will learn the essential elements of the dance style including facial expression, "acting" out the song, and grace. This course is designed for dancers who would like to go above and beyond basic steps and have a greater understanding of technique, performance, and choreography.

Q4: How do I register for classes? Can I just drop in on the first class?
A4: You can register for classes online at www.dhoonyadance.com/classes.php by clicking on the “Enroll” or “Drop In” button next the class listing in the table. Not all of our classes allow for drop-ins, but for the ones that do you can try the first class and decide to pay the full session or drop in fee at the end of the class. Please note that we suggest registering online before class in the case that it may be full and you would be turned away.

Q5: How much does a class cost? What are your rates?
A5: Classes are $20 each for a drop-in. Session prices are set at $15 per class, paid in full before or directly following the first class.

Q6: Do you do private classes? How much do they cost?
A6: We do offer private classes and private workshops through Dhoonya Dance. Prices vary based on location of class and number of classes required, but our base rates are as follows:

1 student - $60/hr
2 students - $50/hr per person
3-4 students - $40/hr per person
5 or more students - $25/hr per person
For workshops and private classes, additional studio fees may apply. IN NY start with $130/hour and let them know this includes studio rental and it will be discounted if they would like to learn at home.

Q7: How much does it cost to host a workshop?
A7: Workshop prices are set according to our private class listings. A workshop will range from $30/hr to $20/hr per person depending on the number of people, number of instructors, location required for the event.

For workshops and private classes, additional studio fees may apply. Please send your inquiry to info@dhoonyadance.com and you will receive a price quote within 48 hours.

Q8: What are the different workshops that you offer?
A8: For Adults, Dhoonya Dance currently offers workshops for our core curriculum courses (Dhoonya Workout, BollyBasics, and Techniques), as well as the specialty courses listed below:

- Bedroom Bollywood: This class is perfect for bachelorette parties, bridal showers, birthdays or other all-female events! Through this course female students embrace their sexy side. As many have witnessed, Bollywood heroines are noted for their sleek physique and sexy and playful smirks and antics. Much like the popular exotic dance classes that have spread across the country, Bedroom Bollywood offers students a combination of hip-hop, jazz, and Bollywood steps to create a great toning workout as well as a special piece for anyone to use to spice up her life at home!

- BollYoga: This class combines yoga stretches and fundamentals with Bollywood dance. This workshop will lead students through yoga basics, and then incorporate these movements into a graceful dance routine set to a popular Bollywood tune! Add a little fun to your workout!

- BollyNatyam: Through this workshop students will learn a Bollywood routine based on classical (primarily Bharatanatyam) principles and techniques.  The workshop will be taught by classically trained Dhoonya Dance instructors.

- BollyKathak: Through this one-day workshop students will learn a Bollywood routine based on classical (primarily Kathak) principles and techniques.  The workshop will be taught by classically trained Dhoonya Dance instructors.

- BollyFolk: These workshops take a popular folk dance form (e.g., Gujarati Garba/Raas, Rajasthani folk/Ghumar, Punjabi Bhangra/Giddha) and incorporates it into a Bollywood tune with music elements of the specific folk form.

- BollyHip-hop: Through this workshop students will learn a routine that predominantly fuses the Hip Hop style with Bollywood movements. The workshop will be taught by Dhoonya Dance instructors who have extensive experience in both dance forms to ensure that students learn the fundamentals of each.

Q9: Do you have classes outside of DC and NYC?
A9: Dhoonya Dance online classes in BollyBasics can be found at www.worlddancetrainer.com for the low rate of $9.99. Dhoonya Dance team members may also be available for travel for specific events/workshops in your area. Contact info@dhoonyadance.com for more details.

Q10: Do you offer online classes or sell DVDs?
A10: Dhoonya Dance now offers online classes and DVD purchasing through our website as well as other chosen sites, such as www.worlddancetrainer.com. Visit www.dhoonyadance.com, and click on “Buy Products” for more information.

Q11: I am interested in joining the Dhoonya Dance Team. How do I do that?
A11: Please contact auditions@dhoonyadance.com (include your dance resume in the email) to let the Directors know of your interest. DC and NYC auditions are held regularly. If you live in DC please state whether you would like to join the Performance Company as a dancer or the School as an instructor.

If you are from outside the DC or NYC areas and are interested in starting Dhoonya Dance classes where you live, please contact franchising@dhoonyadance.com for more information.

Q12: What is the difference between being in the Performance Company or an instructor with the School?
A12: The Dhoonya Dance Performance Company (DDPC) is currently located in the DC area. This group consists of the area’s most talented and versatile South Asian style dancers. Audition is required to join the group. DDPC meets once a week for regular rehearsal and may meet more often near the time of a performance. Performances include community events, such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival; private and ticketed events, such as America’s Polo Cup and the Washington Metropolitan Opera’s Gala; and private parties, such as weddings and birthdays. While dancers may receive payment for some performances, pay is not always guaranteed. DDPC also works towards an annual showcase held in the Fall.

Instructors for Dhoonya Dance School must also audition to be a part of the team and will also undergo a training program before teaching any classes on his/her own. Hired Instructors can either teach regular weekly classes, private classes and workshops, and/or substitute when necessary.  Instructors receive a competitive pay in line with other dance programs.

Q13: How can I teach Dhoonya Dance classes where I live?
A13: Please contact franchising@dhoonyadance.com to receive more information on becoming a part of the Dhoonya Dance team outside of DC and NYC. Training will be required to ensure that any classes taught under the Dhoonya Dance name meet all requirements regarding our curriculum and teaching strategies.

Q14: Do you travel for performances or workshops?
A14: Dhoonya Dance is open to travel for events and will require compensation to cover rehearsal time and planning, time at your location, as well as performer pay, travel, and lodging. To speak in more detail about Dhoonya Dance’s involvement in your next event, contact info@dhoonyadance.com and include the following information in your email:
-    Contact name, telephone number, and email:
-    Type of Event:
-    Date of Event:
-    Location of Event:
-    Type of performance or workshop requirement:
-    Any Budget Restrictions:

Q15: How much do Showcase DVDs cost?
A15: Performance/Showcase DVDs range from $15-$20. DVDs for course instruction are $20-$25.  These products and more are available through the “Buy Products” tab located at www.dhoonyadance.com.

Q16: How much do Dhoonya Dance T-shirts cost?
A16: Dhoonya Dance - Bollywood Star shirt: $15

Q17: Does Dhoonya rent costumes? What are the prices?
A17: Dhoonya Dance does rent out costumes. Prices vary from $20-$30 per costume depending on the style and number of costumes required. Please contact costumes@dhoonyadance.com for more information and include the following information:
-    Type of costume:
-    Number of costumes needed:
-    General size/age range for costume:
-    Date(s) needed:
-    Name, email address, and telephone number of contact:
-    Mailing address for costumes to be delivered:

Q17: Do you have any current class discounts or promotions?
A17: Current promotions/discounts:
- Active Family Discount: Sign up for 3 or more courses within the same family and receive 10% off each session payment
- Students get a 25% discount on group classes while taking privates (has to be more than one private lesson and if there are spaces available in the class. priority spaces will go to those paying full price) Drop-ins will be $15 instead of $20 for those also taking privates.
- NYU Students can take drop ins for $10
- Senior Citizen discount: $15 drop ins