World-Class Bollywood Dance Choreographer presents Bollywood Extravaganza at Glowfest, Disney California Adventure Park, June 11 – July 5
Yogen Bhagat, the Artistic and Creative Director of his Los Angeles based Bollywood Step Dance company, and Rasha Goel, the Manager and his dance partner will set yet another precedent by participating in Disney’s Glowfest program, presenting a Bollywood Show every night at 6.30 and 7.30 at the Sunshine Plaza from June 11 to July 5th. It is the first time that Bollywood dancing is being featured at Disney theme parks. After the performances, the dancers will mingle with the audience. Yogen and Rasha made their Disney debut at the California Food and Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure Park on May 29, 2010, a sold-out event with 600 guests. They also included a classical Kathak piece by Bhairavi Kumar of Nritodaya Academy.
’It is an honor to be able to bring Indian culture and Bollywood to Disney parks – especially as Disney embraces cultural diversity. Since visitors from all over the world will attend, I want to present various Indian styles and also add fusion elements to the performance,†Yogen says. ‘This is the first time in the history of Disney parks where they are showcasing a full Bollywood show,†Rasha adds.
As one of the few Bollywood choreographers in the United States who has actually trained in India and worked with some of the top names in Bollywood, Yogen aspires to, “educate the world about the authenticity and beauty of Bollywood dancing and Indian culture.” This is demonstrated in filmmaker Rich Samuel’s new documentary on Yogen and his company which will be showcased at various Film Festivals. He has also signed a Hollywood deal with Nuclear Mango for their forthcoming production, Politics of Love.
Yogen manages a full time occupation as a Civil Engineer with Los Angeles County and a part time career as a professional Bollywood dancer and choreographer with equal zeal and finesse. “I feel that I can apply some of the engineering techniques to dance. Both involve envisioning, creating and constructing an end product that is unique; both involve team work and project management; and both present challenges of competition motivating me to strive for the best†Yogen explains.
He has choreographed and performed in hundreds of live stage and award shows and music videos worldwide. He recently completed a short video of his choreography for Oscar winner AR Rahman for a peace concert in Australia depicting unity in diversity through dance and music. Yogen has captivated audiences across North America and received innumerable awards. He has appeared as a guest on many network television shows including “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” and “Ellen”. Yogen has showcased at events such as India Calling at the Hollywood Bowl, and Planet Hollywood Theater of Performing Arts in Las Vegas and he has participated in programs in Mumbai, Europe and South Africa.
For more information: www.bollywoodstepdance.com
