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Veena and Neena's Indi Hop

Identical twins Veena and Neena are skilled in Middle Eastern and Indian dance. The have performed dances originating from Lebanon, Egypt and different parts of India. Originally from India, the sisters grew up dancing bhangra.

Bhangra is a dance that originated in the northern part of India called Punjab. It is a mixture of yoga and martial arts. The modern version of bhangra is combined with hip-hop movements.

When you hear that dhol, or drum, you know its got to be bhangra! Other instruments, such as the iktar, tumbi and chimta make bhangra unique. Bhangra is usually performed for special occasions like weddings and birthdays, but since the '90s, bhangra has gained much popularity. You may have recognized the bhangra beats in some of today's modern hip-hop songs, such as Missy Elliot's "Get Ur Freak On".

There is no doubt that the music is what keeps you going when you workout to Veena and Neena's Indi-Hop. There is just so much energy in that workout that you just don't want to stop. The music is just amazing!

Veena starts you off with a warm up. Her sister Neena along with a diverse group of hip-hop dancers add to the fun. This workout has a lot of hops, kicks, and travel steps with the hops. You may want to do an extra warm up specifically for the ankles.

What I love about this workout is that the moves go with the beat. This is a plus, because you want to keep that energy level up. Any slower or any faster would not work.

Both sisters do a great job in breaking down the moves. It is easy to follow. How they manage to talk and workout, is incredible. There is a small part in the workout where Neena laughs as she catches her breath.

After the warm up, there is a brief cardio segment followed by routines one through three. Neena takes you to routine one where you learn to really combine the up/down shoulder movement along with hopping. With bhangra, you have to keep the foot flexed when you are kicking. It may be difficult if you have been taught to always point your feet when dancing.

Routine two, Veena takes over and does some great side kick moves that work your oblique muscle. These side kicks then become travel movements as you continue the workout. Veena teaches you the Indi Swing and Indi Jack in this routine.

Neena takes routine three with utmost energy. There is a neat stomp move going into a kick. There are also travel steps too.

Remember to not forget about moving your shoulders up and down while you do the kicks and hops. It really does help with the momentum. The Asian guy in the workout does such a great job of keeping up with this; pay attention to him.

I would also suggest that you wear lots of support on the top. Especially if you are top heavy. Those Indi Jacks and hops do a number on the chest if you don't have good support. Double your sports bra if need be, or purchase one that will hold everything in place.

The cool down is great, and the special features are interesting. Neena and Veena give you a glimpse of bhangra where several women are dancing it. The explain their passion for bhangra and the history. Another video shows the twins along with the other dancers doing a bhangra/hip-hop video. They look dynamic!

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Content copyright © 2013 by Ronnette Ramirez. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Ronnette Ramirez. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Ronnette Ramirez for details.



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