When it comes to dance, I have neither skill nor inhibitions, which explains my tendency to get stupid on the dance floor. I’m happy to settle for laughs if admiration is out of the question. My first Bollywood dance lesson Saturday afternoon was no exception. Dizzy from spinning and unable to keep my lotus fingers pointing in the right direction, I took excessive water breaks and offered encouraging words to my fellow participants.

Gina Shah, a lovely young dancer from Atlanta, is studying classical Indian dance and visiting her sister (whose husband is stationed here with the U.S. Embassy) for the next couple weeks. She accompanied her sister to Nancy’s Zumba class a few times and offered to repay the favor with a private lesson. We met at Nancy’s house and tried to follow Gina’s lead. As you can see here, she’s pretty fantastic!

The other ladies wouldn’t let me post a video with us in the frame. Maybe after a LOT more practice!

Even standing still, my fingers look wonky.
Me and Cristi in the back; Katrina, Gina and Nancy in the front.
(Disclaimer: Nancy is making me point out that she is not pregnant. Her funky harem pants and blouse are just loose and billowy.)