Sarina Jain (front) leads a Masala Bhangra class at Crunch.

We’ve often thought it would be fun to live in the alternate reality shown in Bollywood movies and Bollywood-inspired music videos, in which people spontaneously break into song and choreographed dance. Thanks to Masala Bhangra workouts, we can experience the sensation — and burn calories while we’re at it. Since instructor Sarina Jain combined traditional Indian folk dance with cardio fitness to create the class 10 years ago, she has taught instructors throughout the country and tours internationally. She also teaches classes at Crunch and New York Sports Clubs locations in New York City, and her sixth DVD, Masala Bhangra Workout Volume 6: Back 2 Bollywood, was released earlier this year.

Masala Bhangra has become so popular that Crunch gyms are offering the classes nationwide on the fall schedule, beginning Sept. 8. The success of the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire hasn’t hurt, with more people wanting to emulate the dance at the end of the film. “The movie gave more respect and integrity to my program, as people respect the Indian culture more today,” Jain says. “And they have a different point of view on what I do and why I do what I do.” The classes, which last about 45–60 minutes, work all the major muscles and burn about 500 calories. “I wanted to share my culture with everyone and still want to share through bhangra and Bollywood dancing,” Jain says. “It just lights up people’s faces.”

Masala Bhangra seems like a fun, challenging workout — as well as a way to learn a bit more about Indian culture. Check out a review and clip of Jain’s latest DVD in the March/April issue of VIVmag. Do you think you’d be able to learn Bollywood-style dance?

Tags: Bhangra, Bollywood, British culture, Cinema of India, Entertainment/Culture, Film, instructor, Jainism, Masala, New York City, Punjabi culture, Sarina Jain, Slumdog Millionaire, the Oscar, VIVmag