Let’s Dance: York’s young people take to the stage

The show - which comprises 12 performances in traditional costume over two hours - is part of the York St John University black and minority ethnic (BME) project, which aims to promote higher education opportunities and raise aspirations of black and minority ethnic communities in the region.

The performers, aged between seven and 18, have been taking classes in Bharatanatyam, a traditional South Asian dance, since September last year.  The classes are led by former York St John University MA Applied Theatre student, Winojith Sanjeewa, and he says they are proving very popular with young people and their families who are keen to maintain links with their culture, heritage and traditions.

“All of the performers are working incredibly hard to create a fantastic show,” he says. “The performance will reflect the customs, discipline and richness that make South Asian dance worthy of celebration, with the addition of perspective from students and young people growing up in the UK.”

Originally from Sri Lanka, Sanjeewa is now a visiting lecturer at York St John University. He also runs dance classes and traditional Sri Lankan and Indian dance performances throughout the region.

The show is the brainchild of BME project leader, Paramjeet Kaur-Singh, building on the success of last year’s event at York St John University.  

“This year, the show has moved to York Theatre Royal, where it will play to a full house on Saturday evening, and the group has expanded to incorporate young people from elsewhere in the region,” she says.  

“We’re very pleased to provide opportunities for young people to embrace and explore South Asian heritage and culture.  The classes and performance have been embraced by the wider community, and it’s fantastic to see performers joining us from elsewhere in Yorkshire this year. It promises to be an amazing show on Saturday, and we’re very much looking forward to it.”