Shoonya Dance Centre · Gent · 26–29 August 2026
Indian Dance Summer Intensive 2026A technique-first dive into the roots of Indian folk and semi-classical dance.
About the intensive
Four evenings and one full Saturday working through the mechanics of India's most iconic folk and semi-classical dance traditions — not as routines to memorise, but as movement systems to understand. Each session focuses on a single form: the bounce of Bhangra, the precision of teentaal, the earth-contact of Tippani, the percussion of Terah Taali, the desert spins of Kalbeliya. Open to all levels. No prior Indian dance experience required.
The programme
| Day | Form | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Wed · 26 Aug | Bhangra & Luddi The Punjabi Toolkit | 18:30–21:30 | €40 |
Thu · 27 Aug | Semi-Classical Rhythm, Grace & Teentaal | 18:30–21:30 | €40 |
Fri · 28 Aug | BollyFolk Tippani & Bihu | 18:30–21:30 | €40 |
Sat · 29 Aug | Terah Taali Limited Rhythmic Percussion · morning | 10:00–12:00 | €35 |
Sat · 29 Aug | Kalbeliya Desert Technique · afternoon | 12:30–14:30 | €30 |
The five forms
© Stijn DejonckheereThe characteristic bounce of Bhangra comes from precise weight transfer between the legs — a rhythmic give-and-take that generates energy rather than spends it. We isolate that mechanic, then layer arm patterns and rhythmic drills before stepping into the celebratory Luddi style — clapping, finger clicks and circular steps. No prior Punjabi dance experience needed.
© Kattoo HillewaereA bridge between folk expression and classical discipline. We build posture, mudras (hand gestures) and hand-eye coordination, then anchor everything inside teentaal — the 16-beat rhythmic cycle at the heart of Hindustani classical music. A short choreography gives the techniques a home.
© Stijn DejonckheereTwo contrasting folk vocabularies merged into one choreography. Tippani, from Gujarat, is built on rhythmic pole-striking — a dance rooted in earth contact. Bihu, from Assam, is its opposite: fast, swinging hip movements celebrating the harvest season. Wooden sticks provided.
© Stijn DejonckheereThirteen small brass cymbals — manjiras — tied to the wrists, elbows, arms and knees. Each strikes in a distinct pattern, together creating a full percussion performance from within the body. Originally performed in devotion to Rajasthani folk deity Baba Ramdevji by the Kamada women of the Thar Desert. Seated form; percussion props included.
© Stijn DejonckheereThe cobra dance of Rajasthan. Born from the nomadic Kalbeliya tribe of the Thar Desert — snake handlers who preserved their culture through dance when their livelihood was outlawed in 1972. The technique centres on spine articulations, hip isolations and fast floor-level spins in flowing black skirts embellished with mirror-work. Popularised internationally by Gulabo Sapera.
Tickets & pricing
“Members” = registered Shoonya students; the member price applies automatically at checkout.
All tickets are non-refundable. Questions? Contact us
Book your spot
Register via the Shoonya registration form. You can book individual sessions or the full pass in one transaction.
Register now →Shoonya Dance Centre · Stapelplein 41 · 9000 Gent
© Kattoo HillewaereYour teacher
Born and raised in Pune, India, Swapnil holds a diploma in Indian folk dance and is a certified Learn Bhangra® instructor. He trained at Broadway Dance Center in New York and completed advanced studies at Opus Ballet in Florence.
He is the artistic director and co-founder of Shoonya Dance Centre in Gent, and leads ABC — a Bollywood Company. Each year he curates the Gent India Dans Festival.
His intensives work from source material — theory, technique, and cultural context — not surface choreography. Students come from across Belgium and Europe.
FAQ
Everything you need to know before you register.
26–29 August 2026 · Gent
Choose one session or the full pass. Open level — beginners and experienced dancers welcome. Shoonya Dance Centre, Stapelplein 41.
Register nowBhangra · Semi-Classical · BollyFolk · Terah Taali · Kalbeliya