Brilliant fabrics of reds and golds swooshed and twirled as children tried on their costumes for the first time for Flin Flon’s upcoming Bollywood performance.
On Tuesday girls were dressed in traditional Indian dresses with high-waisted, floor-length skirts, crop tops and long sashes.
The costumes not only have the authentic Indian appearance; they were designed and custom ordered from India.
“I like the way the shirt works when you spin,” said dancer Nevada Shirran. “I like them a lot.”
At 13, Shirran has been dancing for a few years with the Northern Lights Dance Academy but hadn’t been introduced to the Bollywood style.
“The movements are kind of like ballet,” she said, “but it’s a new style for me.”
Shirran is the eldest dancer in the children’s group for the upcoming Bollywood performance, which will serve as a fundraiser to help build a new ER at the Flin Flon General Hospital.
She will share the spotlight with her sister, Blake, who is the youngest dancer in the production.
“It’s pretty cool,” Nevada said.
Dancers have been preparing since June for the performance and finally had a chance to show off their moves in their costumes this week.
The girls watched themselves in the wall of mirrors in the Green Room of the Flin Flon Community Hall as they had a quick rehearsal with choreographer Dr. Chaitasi Intwala.
A group of older dancers watched as the younger girls – ranging in age from four to 13 – practiced with smiles and a bounce in their step.
“Everyone is looking very pretty in their dresses,” said Dr. Intwala.
Dancers continue to prepare for the fundraiser, which will be held Sept. 25 at the RH Channing Auditorium.
“The dances are all complete,” Dr. Intwala said, “and everyone is practicing diligently.”
Tuesday night served more as a practice for the older dancers and a chance for costumes to be looked over. The first true dress rehearsal will happen sometime next week.
Dancing isn’t new to Nevada, but she says she is enjoying the learning aspects of the new style.
“I like all the moves and how they all signify a different meaning,” she said. When it comes to the Sept. 25 performance, Nevada says she’s both “nervous and excited.”
A Bollywood evening is new for Flin Flon. Audience members can expect a “fun-filled night,” said Dr. Intwala. “It’s a busy night with dances and local entertainment.”
Local artists will perform during the costume change of each dance. As well, the fundraiser will include a fashion show.
A few of the Flin Flon Bombers will participate in a Bollywood dance number as well as the fashion show – which will showcase clothing items from area businesses.
“So it will be a mix of Canadian flavour, too,” said Dr. Intwala.
When Dr. Intwala first started on the event, she didn’t have any expectations in terms of a fundraising total.
“But [I] thought maybe $15,000 to $20,000 would be good,” she said. “But I’m definitely sure with the amount of sponsors [and their] positive response that we’re going to go way beyond that.”
The Bollywood evening will be the first fundraiser for the new ER.
