De Monfort Hall in Leicester was lit up in true Bollywood delight last night, at the Shiamak’s Summer Funk show. The prestigious and friendly dance competition was a lively celebration to showcase the achievements of all Shiamak students in Leicester, Birmingham, Coventry and Nottingham.
Last night’s stunning visual display watched the 300 talented hopeful’s dance their hearts out, in a battle to be crowned the Midland’s first winners of Shiamak’s Summer Funk, which saw students from Leicester steal the show and win the Rise of the Champions Trophy.
The sold-out show attracted a wide audience from across the country, with all ages up on their feet dancing along to the show-stopping performances.
The one-of-a-kind training programme of Shiamak’s Summer Funk, takes place in 80 cities across the world, including Dubai and Australia.
The Shiamak philosophy ‘Have Feet Will Dance’ is true to its word, as students from the ages 8-84 immersed themselves into dance and have had twelve weeks to perform with their instructors in preparation for the show.
Anand Bhatt, the Producer of Aakash Odedra Company and event organiser said: “Bollywood is a spirit that goes internationally. Wherever you go now all over the world a Bollywood film is being watched. In a place like the Midlands, there is such a vibrant and diverse community, he said.
“Not only do they enjoy taking part by dancing, they’re watching the films, eating the food and wearing the fashion. Everything is incredibly diverse and to be able to celebrate all of that diversity here on stage is a wonderful experience and so relevant.”
The show also included the Midlands SPB team who have just returned from Madrid, having performed at the IIFA Awards with Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padoukone and Priyanka Chopra.
Sneha Patel, One of the Coventry dance students said: “Dancing is my passion and I’ve grown up with it. Shiamak is a great company to take classes and be a part of a team. I feel I can have fun whilst improving as a dancer.”
Former Editor at Pukaar Magazine and one of the shows judges Meera Majithia said: “‘It was an absolute honour to be asked to judge the Shiamak Midlands’ Summer Funk 2016 – especially as I am such a huge fan of the dance company’s work, Said Meera.
“I was blown away by the talent showcased on the evening, and would like to congratulate the participants and organisers for doing such a brilliant job. There was a real buzz on the night and you could see that everyone was really enjoying themselves.”
