TWO Launceston schools joined together recently to experience the magic of Bollywood with an exciting enrichment day.

During the last week of term, the children and staff at St Stephens Community Academy and Windmill Hill Academy in Launceston, which are both part of the An Daras Trust, were privileged to receive a day’s enrichment based on Indian dance and culture.

It was delivered by Kalpesh Zalavadiya who is the founder of KZ Dance Entertainment Ltd. Kalpesh is an experienced dance teacher, choreographer, performer and entertainer, and his passion for dance was clearly infectious.

Mrs Abby Bassett, Head of School at Windmill Hill Academy, told the Post: “All the children enjoyed workshops throughout the day and learnt about Indian culture and traditions. They managed to learn three choreographed dances and they were thrilled to see their achievement when it was put with the lively, happy Bollywood music. The day’s learning came together with a final dance performance watched by each of the school’s communities — many of whom also took part!”

Mrs Maura Furber, headteacher at St Stephens Community Academy, added: “What a fantastic day — one to definitely remember!”

The children thoroughly enjoyed this cultural physical experience and it looked like the parents also enjoyed watching and joining in with the shared performance at the end of the afternoon. 

Some of the pupils’ comments included: “I enjoyed all of the dances”, “A good experience and it was fun!” and “It was good for my wellbeing. I felt like I was doing something amazing in front of all of the parents.”

On behalf of both schools, Mrs Bassett and Mrs Furber, expressed their thanks to the An Daras Trust for enabling this to happen by providing enrichment funds for the school within the Trust.