Bollywood dancing in the Dales; Academy heads for championship.

Byline: HENRYK ZIENTEK

A DANCE teacher from Huddersfield is staging the North's biggest Bollywood event - in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Students of Salma Zaman, who runs Salma's Bollywood Dance Academy, will flock to the Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton to take part in the event on Sunday Salma, who lives in Fartown and runs classes in Huddersfield, Leeds, Bradford, Manchester and Skipton, said: "I don't believe there is anything like my Northern Bollywood Championships anywhere else in the UK.

"I've always wanted to bring the art of Bollywood out into the Dales as it's a great opportunity to encourage families who attend my inner city classes out into the countryside while offering an alternative dance activity for people from the Skipton area."

She said: "I began the dance championships in 2005 to celebrate the eastern art form. It's always hugely popular because it's a great opportunity to bring all my students together to perform in front of 300 family and friends."

Karen Weaving, manager of the Rendezvous Hotel, said: "We're delighted to help introduce Bollywood dancing - and the championship into the Dales.

"It's been great to help Salma respond to the high demand for Bollywood classes in the area and we can't wait to see the first Skipton group take part on the night."

The championships will include a beginners' category for the first time.

Verity Hudson, who attends beginners' classes run by Salma in Skipton, is among those competing in the new category.

She said the classes were a great way to get in shape and keep fit while trying out something new.

She said: "There's nothing else like it in this area and it's really exciting to show my friends and family all the routines I've learned when I strut my stuff at the Bollywood Championships."

The Bollywood Dance Championship will run from 7pm until 11.30pm and dancers of different abilities will perform throughout the night and be judged in their categories. A selection of eastern foods will be available.

Salma said: "It's always a fantastic night of entertainment, celebrations and fun. I'm really looking forward to this year's event which has already generated a large number of enquiries and ticket sales and is already set to be the most successful event yet."

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DANCE MOVES: Fartown-based Salma Zaman (back) with Lindsay Mueller, of the Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton