Yesterday my friend Fatima and I attended a free dance workshop–and then a filming session for a movie scene!–called Bollywood Big Dance, which is part of Alchemy.
Alchemy is a month-long celebration of London’s rich Desi/South Asian cultural heritage–Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan. Every year in April for the past 4 years, Southbank Centre and the surrounding area are filled with food stalls selling fragrant chai and fits-every-dietary-need curry, henna booths, rows upon rows of embroidered saris and shalwar khameez ensembles, interactive exhibitions, talks, workshops, screening, catwalk shows and concerts.
We decided to go learn some Bollywood dance moves because WHY NOT? From the moment I heard of this dance workshop, I KNEW I had to go. It’s been too long since my last belly dance class with Claudia and I was so tired of staring at computer screens for final projects.
It turned out to be a great, much-needed full-body workout (my both legs are still sore from squatting and bouncing)! I got to dance in the rain for the first time and miraculously didn’t get sick afterwards. WOO! Plus, over the course of practicing and filming, we made new friends.
We can’t wait until 21st to go back and see how the movie turned out!!!!
For pictures, see http://krazzykitty.tumblr.com/#47901297586
Location: London, UK
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We were just extras but it was super fun to learn some edgy choreography!
Yes, I know that East London has this BanglaCity – an area with residents of mostly Bangladeshi descent. There are lots of street art, vintage shops and places to enjoy South Asian cuisines there.
Sounds like you had a lot of fun at the Bollywood dance event.
Also really cool that you’re going to be in a movie!
Have you found that there is a large South Asian population in London?