Bollywood dancers spicing things up in Shropshire

One dance group is bringing the glamour of India to the county in the form of Bollywood dancing.

Desi Nach, which means traditional dance in Hindi, is led by sisters Amber Silva and April Gillies who fell in love with the dance during time living in India.

Mrs Silva, 26, said: "We got involved with this style of dance because we were growing up in that environment, watching the films and seeing people practicing the dance.

"We all have classical training, but most of our Bollywood dancing is self taught."

Since coming back to England 10 years ago, they have been doing more to promote this style of dance across the country, and have been performing together with siblings Josh and Amaris in Desi Nach since they came to Shropshire four years .

The group practice at Burton Borough School in Newport every Tuesday and have been available for hire for weddings and parties.

Mrs Silva said: "Personally, I love this style of dancing, it is a celebration.

"When you're watching the films, if its at a wedding or a party - or even if its not - the dancing will start and it becomes a real celebration.

"Our group is really multicultural, we're all non-Indian, we're mostly English or Irish people, or local people who have got involved.

"Through the group we want to promote happiness, joy and the celebration of different culture.

"It doesn't matter about your background, we can all get together and enjoy celebrating dance."

The group consists of a team of 10 dancers, all local who are professional Bollywood dancers, and also perform ballet, fire acts and other styles within their Bollywood shows locally.

Desi Nach have performed for the English Asian Business awards, World on Regent Street, Fusion Awards, ITV's celebrating 100 years of Bollywood, Forecourt Expo, Britain's Got talent Promo video, Barnardo's annual charity gala, O2 telefonica, Mellas, and a number of Bollywood Film star showcase events.

Mrs Silva said that in the future they are also hoping to launch a Bollywood fitness class for women in Shropshire.

Firstly, however, they will be holding a week-long summer camp at Burton Borough School from August 18 to 22 for children who can try their hand at learning different styles of dance.