Doonya: The Bollywood Workout DVD Launch Party

The co-founders of the hottest dance fitness program are returning to Washington, D.C. March 16-17 to celebrate the launch of their first-ever DVD, Doonya: The Bollywood Workout.

A program that started in Washington, D.C. in 2005 has garnered significant national attention, with appearances on The Today Show, the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, Oprah Winfrey, the CBS Early Show, Dr. Oz. The Washington Post, Reuters, WTOP, and Voice of America, recently have written special features on Doonya.

Doonya co-founders Kajal Desai and Priya Pandya are returning from Los Angeles and New York, respectively, to the Washington area March 16-17 for the official Doonya DVD launch party and to hold a special master class.

On March 16, the Doonya DVD official launch party will take place from 7-10 pm at LOOK lounge, 1909 K St., NW, Washington, D.C. There will be an interactive session and special performances.

On March 17, Desai and Pandya will hold a special joint master Doonya class, at the YMCA in Arlington, 3422 N. 13^th St from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $35 and includes an autographed DVD as well as a meet and greet with Doonya founders and the instruction team following class.

“We are excited to celebrate, dance, and teach right where Doonya began almost eight years ago,” Pandya said.

Desai added, “Priya and I have taught together countless times in New York, on the West Coast and at Sundance, but the March 17 class is the first time we’re teaching a joint class in D.C! It feels like a homecoming, and I can’t wait!”

Dhoonya Dance To Offer Garba/Raas Week Sept. 25 – Oct. 1

Dhoonya Dance, Washington D.C.’s premiere Bollywood dance school, is excited to offer a Garba/Raas Week during its classes Sept. 25-Oct.1 in celebration of Navratri, an Indian festival that celebrates the fall harvest season.

Originating from the Indian state Gujarat, Garba and Raas are some of India’s most popular folk dances. Garba is characterized by a group of people dancing in a circle, bending sideways and clapping. Raas is the traditional “stick dance” done with partners. An example of a Garba/Raas dance is below:

Garba and Raas events are traditionally held during Navratri (“nine nights”), an autumn Hindu festival. This year Navratri starts Sept. 28. During this season, Garbas are held throughout the Washington D.C. area, including at the University of Maryland and Northern Virginia Community College.

“The upbeat tempo of the music and graceful swaying movements of Garba and Raas create this energy and atmosphere of fun that everyone can enjoy. Raas also incorporates a lot of jumps, which makes for a great workout,” Kajal Desai, Dhoonya Dance managing director for the Washington D.C. area, said. “Whether this is your first time experiencing Garba/Raas, or you are looking to refresh your skills, Dhoonya’s Garba/Raas week is a great way to prep for the fun Garba season ahead.”

Dhoonya Dance will be teaching routines that feature Garba and Raas influenced steps at the following locations:

Sept 26, Dhoonya BASICS, 7:30-8:30 pm, Saffron Dance, 3260 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon Metro)
Sept. 27, Dhoonya FIT, 6:30-7:30 pm Born2Dance Studio, 305 W. Maple Ave. Vienna
Sept. 28, Dhoonya FIT, 6:30-7:30 pm, Saffron Dance
Sept. 29, Dhoonya FIT, 6:30-7:30 pm, Jordin’s Paradise, 1121 7th St NW, Washington DC (Mt. Vernon Square Metro)

In the Dhoonya BASICS class, students will learn a short dance. The DhoonyaFIT class is a non-stop workout program, similar to Zumba. Classes are $20 for a single drop-in; $18 with a five-class pass; $15 with a 10-class pass. For more information visit http://www.dhoonyadance.com.

The above information is adapted from a Dhoonya Dance press release received Wednesday, September 15th.