Bollywood dance classes are all the rage in Wirral

Mar 4 2009 by Carrie Catterall, Birkenhead News

Bollywood dance classes are all the rage in Wirral

BOLLYWOOD fitness fever is sweeping through Wirral thanks to Oscar-winning film, Slumdog Millionaire.

Since the release of the rags-to-riches tale that enchanted audiences around the globe, women of all ages and sizes have been donning coin belts and dancing to Indian music.

Bollywood dance classes have been at bursting point since the film’s release in January.

And its triumph at last week’s Oscars, where the film picked up eight awards including best director and best picture, has added to the Bollywood boom.

Fitness instructor Cathy Williams, of Wallasey, teaches four Bollywood Dance Fit Workouts a week at St Mary’s College in Wallasey Village, Bebington Civic Centre and The Village Hotel in Bromborough.

She said: “People have gone Bollywood dance crazy and everyone wants to try it.

“I think the music, which is a mix of Hindi, Punjabi, Pop and Bhangra songs, has a lot to do with it.

“I also think women are seeing the benefits of this type of dancing.

“The movements are very expressive and use all the parts of the body – which is great for toning and burning calories.

“This type of workout is bringing people who wouldn’t normally exercise back into the dance studio, which is always good to see.”

Participant Marcia Alldis, of Prenton, has been Bollywood dancing for two months.

She said: “Until this year, I’d never done anything like this before – it’s a totally different type of exercise.

“I just enjoy dancing like an Indian diva – it can be very sensual and uplifting.

“Every time I do a class I leave on a real high.”

Cathy added: “It doesn’t matter about your shape, age or experience – it’s just a case of shaking your hips and joining in.”

To find out where your nearest Bollywood Dance Fit Workout is, call 07828 642143.

Visit our website, www.wirralnews.co.uk, to see a Bollywood dance fit class.