Akademi (South Asian Dance UK) presents 'Frame by Frame' at the Royal Opera House on 13 July 2009, a unique symposium dedicated to tracing the trajectory of Bollywood dance from its cinematic origins to its visceral presence on stage. The event will feature stunning live performances, film screenings and rousing debate with a panel of eminent speakers and artists.

For generations, dance routines in Indian cinema have beguiled audiences with its spectacular choreography and appetite for reinvention. From the picture houses of Mumbai and Chennai to Broadway and the West End, dance of Indian cinema and the songs that inspire it, are consumed and continually reinterpreted by global audiences. In Frame by Frame - the Dance of Indian cinema, the transition of this dance style from screen to stage will be explored, along with the process during which it became re-configured through popular culture as Bollywood dance.

This symposium will unearth dance of Indian cinema's origins and global influences as well as illuminate the role of key creatives in the evolution of the form. It will debate the concept of 'Bollywood' and examine the progression of the industry from its origins in cinema to its seemingly infectious attention on stage. Panelists will discuss how a collection of dance styles ranging from bharata natyam to hip hop have evolved into a single entity through the alchemy of the cinematic experience. The debate will be punctuated by performances by many upcoming artists following in the traditions of Bollywood dance!

In early years of Indian Cinema, dance was modeled on classical and folk styles - witness the 'courtesan' in films such as Sahib, Bibi Aur Gulam and Pakeezah, while the modern performance style was epitomized by cabaret queen, Helen. Over the last two decades the 'item number' has become essential in films and dance styles are more MTV with urban street and hip hop, jostling alongside the opulence of Busby Berkeley musicals.

Today, both classical and modern dance routines are visible in Indian cinema. Songs such as 'Dola Re' from Devdas and 'Dhoom Tana' from Om Shanti Om, have ushered in a new appreciation for classical choreography, whilst Hritik Roshan's fancy footwork for Dhoom Machale in Dhoom 2, is copied by young aspirants across the globe.

The history and longevity of this dance form is unquestioned as it continues to cross geographic, linguistic and cultural borders, captivating people as far afield as Africa, Europe and America. Bollywood dance classes and Bollywood inspired workouts are the rage across the UK, whilst in India, reality television shows inspired by Bollywood choreography continue to woo viewers.

Even the Academy Awards, held in the heart of Hollywood, featured live Bollywood dance performances as Slumdog Millionnaire cleaned out the Oscars. The ongoing love affair between the form and the audience has transformed the dance of Indian cinema into the face of Indian dance.

For 30 years, Akademi has been shaping the creative landscape, working to enhance the practice, understanding and appreciation of South Asian dance across the UK and as Bollywood dance develops, feels it is time to take a closer look at the mechanics that drive this booming global industry.