In the bustling tech capital of Bengaluru, a slice of old-world elegance twirls back to life every December. The city, known for its rapid modernisation, witnesses a magical resurgence of ballroom dancing during the festive season, a tradition that once defined its social fabric.
The Festive Rhythm of a Bygone Era
There was an era when ballroom dancing formed the cultural core of many Bengaluru neighbourhoods. Christmas galas, New Year's Eve dances, and club socials filled community halls with the sounds of swing bands and the sight of couples gracefully waltzing. Over time, as live bands gave way to new-age lounges, this elegant art form retreated into smaller, cherished pockets kept alive by its longtime enthusiasts.
Yet, as December arrives, the city's atmosphere shifts. Cooler evenings and warmer lights bring a gentle nostalgia. The season of carols, plum cakes, and family gatherings also revives the polished dance floors. In specific corners of Bengaluru, beneath warm yellow lights and on wooden floors smoothed by decades of use, the timeless steps of the waltz, foxtrot, cha-cha-cha, rock-and-roll, and jive find their rhythm once more.
A Legacy Carried by Three Generations
At the heart of this enduring tradition is the 75-year-old Connie and Danny Ballroom Dancing School, the oldest in Bengaluru and among India's longest-running dance institutions. Founded by Connie and Danny Philip, the school was later led by their daughter Ester D'Cruz. Today, her son, Maxwell D'Cruz, represents the third generation guarding this legacy.
Following his mother's passing four months ago, Maxwell now stewards the historic studio from its centres in Kammanahalli and Koramangala. The space holds mirrors reflecting generations of dancers and floors imbued with decades of footwork. "This is our peak time — November, December… till before Easter. Weddings are there, parties are there," Maxwell explains. The festive season seamlessly merges into the wedding months, driving a surge in inquiries.
While the Anglo-Indian, Goan, and Mangalorean communities remain passionate participants, Maxwell notes a significant change. "Around 10 to 15 mixed couples came last December," he recalls, highlighting a new diversity. Young IT professionals, interfaith couples, and families now join the floor, often seeking to learn a first dance for their wedding reception.
Why Christmas Brings Back the Waltz
For dancers like Nikhil Isaac, a real-estate professional and author from Frazer Town, ballroom dance is a rich historical art form rooted in 16th-century European courts. He describes it as a precise mix of art and science. "Every city has a spike," he observes, noting how Christmas and New Year usher in themed galas and vintage-style dance evenings that resurrect classic styles.
The wedding season amplifies this interest. Inspired by cinematic moments, more couples dream of a ballroom-style "first dance," making December and January a busy period for instructors. For the Anglo-Indian community, the link between Christmas and ballroom is particularly strong. "The Christmas vibe does bring that urge," says Cheryl Alphonse, a dancer from Kammanahalli, though she laments the lack of well-promoted ballroom events today.
Roxanne, a 55-year-old from Cox Town, recalls a time when learning steps from family and friends was the norm at social gatherings. While younger cousins may be less inclined, the festive season rekindles those memories. Maxwell acknowledges the challenge of preserving this culture as Gen Z gravitates toward Bollywood beats and club nights, but his school remains a steadfast ambassador.
A Tradition That Refuses to Fade
Today, ballroom dancing in Bengaluru persists in Catholic clubs, The Bangalore Club, community halls, and private festive events. Yet, its most vibrant revival is seasonal. As the city decorates for Christmas, a parallel ritual unfolds: couples stepping onto wooden floors, counting beats, and letting the waltz begin anew.
The tradition, much like the city itself, has evolved. It no longer dominates the social scene but glitters resiliently in its dedicated corners. Each December proves that this elegant piece of Bengaluru's heritage, maintained by institutions like the Connie and Danny school, still has the power to connect generations through the universal language of dance and celebration.
