South Asian dance performance at York St John University

A vibrant South Asian dance performance was held at York St John University on Saturday 28 April, celebrating the University’s black and minority ethnic (BME) widening participation project work.

The dancers were trained by husband and wife team, Winojith Sanjeewa and Indu Meddegama, who are both postgraduate students at York St John University. Twenty performers took part in the event, mainly from the city’s growing South Asian community. All the dancers have been training in Bharatanatyam for the past three years, an expressive classical dance form, dating back to 1,000 BC from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

More than two hundred people attended the event, including special guests from the Lord Mayor’s party. Describing the performance, Paramjeet Kaur-Singh, BME Project Leader at York St John University said:

“This event is a shining example of York St John University’s multi-ethnic celebrations, stimulating and promoting the creativity that ethnic minority communities within York have to offer. It is fantastic to be able to bring to the fore hidden talent and cultures, whilst also giving a platform for young talent to perform.”

She added:

“All aspects of the performance – the music, choreography and costumes – highlight the skills that the Asian community have to offer. I am proud to have been part of such a successful event and am delighted to be able to express how York St John University embraces its diverse international and home communities.”

Paramjeet’s role at the University is to reach out to the diverse range of ethnic minorities in the Yorkshire region and to widen their aspirations and participation in higher education. The South Asian dance performance is part of a suite of projects undertaken by the University, which will result in the launch of a community engagement toolkit at the end of May. York St John University runs an extensive range of outreach events to groups such as mature learners, young people, people with disabilities and ethnic minorities.