In a scene where dance styles meet contemporary music, The Ghungroo Dance School in Stevenson Ranch is expanding its repertoire beyond traditional Indian classical forms. Under the guidance of choreographer and instructor Manya Aggarwal, the school is now bringing the energy of Bollywood hip-hop to a new generation of young dancers.
Manya is bridging cultural divides and igniting a passion for a dynamic fusion of styles.She is a recent graduate of the California Institute of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance, and has toured with Joya Kazi Unlimited as a dancer for her well-renowned production- “Rhythm India: Bollywood and Beyond” by AMP Worldwide which tours once annually.
The Ghungroo Dance School, traditionally known for its mastery of semi-classical Indian dance, has embraced a broader vision for its students. “We want to provide a studio for dancers to learn from local choreographers like myself, while exploring a range of dance styles, tied to Indian culture,” explains Manya, who heads the school’s hip-hop and bollywood training.
Bollywood dance relates to the Hollywood of the east, known as Bollywood, founded over 50 years ago in India. Many of the Bollywood films are romantic themes and have choreographed dance songs, which are uplifting in nature. Bollywood dance fuses together eastern and western dance styles, incorporating hip movements and traditional folk elements.
“I believe that dance is a medium with the power to transcend cultural boundaries,” she said. “Whether it’s the energetic Bollywood beats or bassy rhythms of hip hop, every dance style has a place at our school.” This inclusive philosophy is deeply ingrained in the school’s founding belief that dance is a universal language capable of fostering connection and storytelling.
Manya herself brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her teaching. Raised in Mumbai, India, her early training at The Danceworx Performing Arts Academy in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop and her exposure to bollywood fusion has equipped her with a versatile skill set. Having studied dance her entire life, her specialization in these diverse genres allows her to blend cultural influences from India with American pop culture, creating a distinct artistic voice that resonates with her students.
The popularity of Bollywood dance in the United States has seen a significant surge in recent years, a trend Manya has witnessed firsthand (it currently has over 22 million hashtags on TikTok). “I have definitely seen it grow, and there are a lot of fans of Bollywood films, music, and even dance,” she states, referencing the rise of Bollywood-inspired TikTok trends. “I am seeing the love and respect grow for Bollywood dance every day as people are fascinated by how fun it is, and how people who aren’t from the culture are embracing it.”
When it comes to teaching, Manya’s approach is intuitive and creative. “I choose songs that make me move instantly and fuel my creativity,” she shares. “As I teach all age groups, I see what vibe goes best with the youngsters versus the adults and accordingly plan the class.” This adaptability ensures that each session is tailored to keep students engaged and motivated.
While Bollywood dance is gaining traction, Manya’s personal passion lies with hip-hop. As a hip-hop instructor, she understands its immense demand. “I personally love hip-hop dance the most; it is what I relate with and love in terms of freedom in movement,” she explains. “I love the body language you get to embody when practicing the style. I feel like it’s in demand because of the culture and popularity of hip-hop in mainstream pop culture.”
“It is the only dance form that is so free and has so little judgment for the kind of people who can do it. It’s welcoming in its approach, and hip hop music transcends me,” said Manya.
This inherent freedom and welcoming nature of hip hop perfectly complements the vibrant spirit of Bollywood. Manya expertly navigates the intersection of these two powerful genres through what is often termed “desi hip-hop.”
This regional style, she explains, has its roots in both Bollywood and hip-hop. “In my understanding, I use Bollywood music and teach a fusion of hip-hop and Bollywood to it,” Manya clarifies. “In a lot of Bollywood movies, you will see this style being brought out because it is a perfect blend of western techniques as well as the Bollywood emotions.”
Manya’s playlist for her classes at The Ghungroo School often reflects this global fusion. “I love using songs with artists that collaborate with one another from different countries, such as Ed Sheeran with Arijit Singh,” she notes. “But nonetheless, I pick music based on what I see inspires me and is trending the most, as it excites the younger crowd.”
When it comes to her teenage students in Los Angeles, Manya finds their ability to learn astonishingly quick. “Teenagers are great at picking up the steps quickly,” she observes. “They tend to be slightly shyer than other age groups but do best with how fast they can pick up.” This rapid assimilation of choreography, combined with their burgeoning confidence, makes for dynamic and engaging classes.
With her extensive training, her passion for bridging diverse dance styles, and her innate ability to inspire young dancers, Manya Aggarwal is not just teaching Bollywood hip-hop moves; she is cultivating a new generation of artists who embody cultural appreciation, creative expression, and the sheer joy of movement. As The Ghungroo School continues to broaden its horizons, Manya’s vibrant instruction is sure to leave a mark on the Los Angeles dance scene.
The most rewarding aspect of Manya’s job at The Ghungroo School is the opportunity to connect with young minds through the art of dance. “I absolutely love being surrounded by children, and getting to teach them feels like a privilege because of their presence itself,” she beams. “I love seeing them pursue what they love and see them working hard to improve each class.”
Photos of Manya Aggarwal by Vince Trupsin.
