"An amazing halftime show!"
Dedicated fans of the National Basketball Association (NBA) will know there are two highlights of any match. The competition between the two teams and the halftime dances!
These exciting and thrilling routines show off the cheerleaders’ great skills as dancers.
You would usually expect them to perform with a variety of Western music.
But now, more cheerleader squads are inspired by the delightful tunes of Bollywood – creating even more memorable sequences.
We can’t blame them. The Hindi film industry is well known for delivering infectious songs, complete with extraordinary, rhythmic dance routines.
Let’s take a look then at some of the best Bollywood-inspired NBA cheerleaders dances you have to see.
From recent to vintage tracks, they create jaw-dropping performances that even we would like to try out ourselves!
‘Ghoomar’ – Charlotte Hornets vs Miami Heat
The popularity of Padmaavat has spread to the world of NBA!
On January 28, 2018, the cheerleaders of the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat performed the movie’s popular song ‘Ghoomar’.
Moving completely in sync, the squad looked beautiful as they danced in lilac sarees.
They perform all the dance’s iconic moves, such as twirls and jhatkas-matkas.
Despite their talents, Deepika Padukone may still be the master of this routine.
The actress, who plays Rani Padmavati, described ‘Ghoomar’ as a “challenging” dance. She completed a total of 66 twirls to pick out the very best for the sequence.
Did you know Ghoomar also originates as a traditional form of folk dance?
Bollywood Medley – Orlando Magic Dancers
The Orlando Magic Dancers took centre stage at the NBA halftime with an electrifying Bollywood performance that left the audience in awe.
In a celebration of India Day, the talented dance troupe, choreographed by Spinning Canvas, brought the magic of South Asian culture to the forefront.
The dance routine, set to a medley of popular Bollywood hits including ‘Chogada’, ‘Kamariya’, and ‘Rangtaari’, transported the audience to the streets of India.
Each dancer graced the stage in a stunning array of colours, donning modern yet traditional South Asian attire reminiscent of Bollywood films and traditional saris.
The precision in their movements, combined with their infectious enthusiasm, created an atmosphere of celebration that resonated throughout the arena.
‘Sheila Ki Jawani’ – Orlando Magic
Prepare to be enchanted as the Orlando Magic halftime show transported basketball fans into the heart of Bollywood with a mesmerising dance performance set to ‘Sheila Ki Jawani’.
The Orlando Magic dancers brought the magic of Indian cinema to life in a breathtaking display of athleticism and artistry.
In a nod to Bollywood, each dancer graced the stage in coordinated blue outfits that paid homage to the rich visual tradition of Indian cinema.
The inspired costumes recreated the essence of Bollywood on the basketball court.
In a world where diversity takes centre stage, the Orlando Magic halftime Bollywood dance was a shining example of how the NBA continues to embrace and celebrate various cultures.
‘Khalibali x Malhari’ – Exodus Artistry
In a dazzling display of energy and artistry, Exodus Artistry performed during halftime at the Wells Fargo Centre on April 8, 2018.
The fusion of the two iconic songs from Padmaavat, featuring Ranveer Singh, unfolded as a spectacular performance.
Dressed in striking green lehenga tops paired with white South Asian skirts, the dancers from Exodus Artistry exuded elegance and flair.
The meticulous choice of attire, complete with South Asian traditional jewellery, added authenticity to their dancing.
One fan, Christopher Kern commented on YouTube:
“An amazing halftime show! Incredible dancers and a fantastic song.”
Their synchronised movements and electrifying choreography brought a fresh and invigorating take to onlookers.
‘Chikni Chameli’ – Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors Dance Team lit up the NBA stage with a scintillating ‘Chikni Chameli’ routine during Bollywood Night.
The dancers added a splash of cultural vibrancy to the Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game.
Choreographed by the talented Anisha K, this dance served as a proud representation of Indian culture on a prominent platform.
The GSW dance team’s rendition of ‘Chikni Chameli’, a hit song from the movie Agneepath featuring Katrina Kaif, was a dazzling display of precision and energy.
Anisha K’s choreography moulded traditional and contemporary dance elements, creating a visual spectacle that delighted the audience.
Dressed in stunning blue lehengas added an extra layer of visual appeal.
The vibrant and coordinated costumes reflected the team’s commitment to authenticity in cultural representation.
In a heartfelt message to fans, Anisha K expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to share her culture on such a significant platform.
The vibrant fusion of Bollywood dance and the dynamic NBA stage has proven to be a winning combination.
These Bollywood-infused halftime shows not only showcased the incredible talent and dedication of the dance teams but also served as a testament to the NBA’s commitment to embracing diverse forms of artistic expression.
The vibrant colours, traditional attire, and iconic Bollywood beats have left a lasting mark on the basketball court.
Which one was your favourite?
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