Mumbai: Choreographer and television personality Geeta Kapur has said that while dance trends continue to evolve with changing times and social media influence, Bollywood’s unique storytelling style and cultural roots should never be forgotten. The popular choreographer, who has returned as a judge for India’s Best Dancer Season 5, reflected on her long journey with dance and the transformation of the industry over the years.
Speaking about her relationship with dance, Geeta said it began as a childhood hobby encouraged by her mother, who recognised her natural sense of rhythm. Over time, the art form became her profession and eventually an integral part of her life. She noted that dance has continuously evolved alongside her, helping her remain relevant across generations and keeping her connected to younger audiences.
According to Geeta, passion for one’s craft is essential for growth and longevity in any profession. She explained that her love for dance has transformed over the years because the art form itself has constantly challenged her to learn, adapt and evolve. Beyond providing a livelihood, dance has also helped her stay energetic and youthful in spirit.
Dance reality shows have transformed talent
Having judged several dance reality programmes over the years, Geeta highlighted the remarkable growth in the quality of contestants participating in such competitions. She observed that modern dancers often arrive with advanced training and expertise in specific dance forms, making the judging process more demanding than ever before.
She said contemporary contestants are highly specialised and bring a deep understanding of their chosen genres. This, in turn, pushes judges to expand their own knowledge and stay updated with global dance developments. According to her, reality shows have played a major role in exposing Indian audiences to international dance styles such as samba, waltz, hip-hop and animation.
Geeta noted that dance competitions have become platforms where both contestants and judges learn from each other. She added that the evolving standards of performance continue to raise the bar for the entire industry.
Bollywood remains a unique cultural identity
While acknowledging the growing influence of international dance styles, Geeta believes Bollywood dance remains one of India’s most distinctive cultural exports. She said Bollywood has successfully blended storytelling, music and movement in a way that is difficult to replicate elsewhere in the world.
According to her, for many years global dance styles were presented through a Bollywood lens, helping Indian audiences connect with them more easily. However, she now sees a shift towards celebrating Bollywood dance in its purest form and believes it is important to remind younger generations about the value of their cultural roots.
Geeta emphasised that Bollywood’s ability to integrate song, dance and narrative into mainstream entertainment continues to make it unique on the global stage. She added that audiences across the world still recognise Bollywood for its vibrant and expressive style.
Hook steps need a comeback
The choreographer also spoke about the decline of memorable Bollywood hook steps in recent years. She recalled how iconic dance moves once became closely associated with films and stars, creating lasting memories among audiences.
Geeta described actor Hrithik Roshan as one of the last great dancing superstars and credited Ranveer Singh with bringing some of that energy back to Bollywood. She expressed confidence that the industry would soon witness a revival of songs featuring memorable hook steps that audiences can instantly recognise and recreate.
According to her, the popularity of short-form content on social media has not diminished the importance of hook steps. Instead, she believes the concept itself originated from Bollywood and remains central to creating memorable dance moments.
Social media trends are temporary, says Geeta
Commenting on the influence of social media, Geeta said viral dance trends may gain popularity quickly but often disappear just as fast. She contrasted these fleeting moments with the lasting impact of Bollywood legends whose performances continue to be remembered decades later.
She pointed out that while millions of people participate in dance trends online, very few leave a long-term cultural impact. In comparison, iconic performers from Bollywood continue to inspire audiences long after their peak years.
Geeta urged aspiring dancers and content creators to embrace innovation while staying connected to their roots. She stressed that cultural identity and artistic heritage remain important even in an era dominated by digital platforms and rapidly changing trends.
As India’s Best Dancer Season 5 continues to showcase emerging talent from across the country, Geeta believes the future of Indian dance is bright. With a blend of traditional influences, Bollywood creativity and modern techniques, she said the next generation of performers has the potential to take Indian dance to even greater heights while preserving its cultural essence.