By Oliver Lees
It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and onto the dance floor, with free online Bollywood dance courses available thanks to an organisation based in Sunbury.
The Multicultural Resources Hub (MRH) will offer 10 classes over a five week period from late April to the end of May, with qualified teachers catering to beginner and experienced dancers.
Bollywood refers to a type of popular film and dance originating in the Indian mega city of Mumbai, with the dance moves comprising a combination of elements from western pop and Indian culture.
Shammi Parekh, community development advisor at MRH, says the organisation is focused on making Sunbury a place that accepts diversity and inclusion.
“Cultural dance has shown to have positive impacts as it provides benefits to participant’s physical and mental health and provides a mechanism to foster community connectedness.
“Our vision is to connect, support and integrate new migrants and emerging communities by advocating multiculturalism and creating a sense of belonging within the area they live in,” she said.
According to the 2016 Census, just 15 per cent of people living in Sunbury were born overseas, compared with 33 per cent in Greater Melbourne.
With support from the Victorian government, Ms Parekh said the idea to make the classes free and online, was to foster an accessible space for people to connect after the pandemic.
“Most people have experienced social isolation and loneliness, which can have serious health consequences,” Ms Parekh said.
“One way to battle this is by connecting with your community through dance classes.
“Aside from teaching you how to dance, we will provide you with digital tools that can help address social isolation.”
The classes are open to all ages.
Details: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/150489942469
