Bollywood is hitting Sarasota Bay and its making a colorful splash. Hundreds crowded the dance floor at The Ringling courtyard to show off their best Bollywood moves.
“Its culture. Its life. It’s color, it’s fun. Why not? Who doesn’t love a good Bollywood movie and who hasn’t watched those movies and wanted to dance?” said Winter Kelly.
Winter Kelly came to Journey Through India to learn more about and embrace the rich colorful culture.
“I think we can all learn so much from one another and no matter what you believe in, really at the end of the day is whether you have a good heart,” said Kelly.
The Ringling partnered with the Indian community to put on the three day festival, kicking off Friday night with the Bollywood dance party.
“Learn something about the dances, the moves, the facial movements, the body,” said Journey Through India volunteer, Ritu Anand.
Anand says seeing the Suncoast embrace her culture is magical.
“I keep getting goosebumps and I keep having to pinch myself to really say to myself is this real,” said Anand.
For some, this event is about family and continuing traditions by teach teaching their own children.
“It’s very hard for them to see what their culture, by growing up here,” said Chaitali Patel.
But The Journey Through India is just the beginning. The Ringling is opening an exhibition Fabric of India in July.
This is just kind of a sampler of the kinds of experiences you’re going to see,” said Ringling Museum’s executive director.
And when it comes to Indian culture, Anand says its all about the experience.
“It’s experiential. You have to taste the food. You have to wear the clothes. You have to learn the dance. You have to just be,” said Anand.
