Curtain Raiser Conversations: Meet the Performers Behind the Stage
On Sunday 12th October, a group of our Classical Bollywood students were invited to perform a Curtain Raiser, for the Company’s production of Roshni at Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham. Our students presented a brand-new dance piece, choreographed by Sonia Sabri MBE for the well-loved song, Silsila Yeh Chahat Ka, from the Bollywood movie Devdas (2002 - Sanjay Leela Bhansali).
Our students learnt the entire piece online and met just a day before the show, coming together from different countered to share a beautiful moment of dance and connection.
We interviewed two performers to learn more about them and their experience of being part of this special performance.
Diana: Dancing Across Borders
Q: Please introduce yourself.
A: My name is Diana. I’m from Germany, a mother of two, and a nurse by profession.
Q: How long have you been part of the Classical Bollywood classes?
A: I’ve been taking classes since January 2025.
Q: What do these classes mean to you?
A: They allow me to dance, my passion, while training with a very talented teacher. It’s the perfect hobby for me.
Q: How did you discover SSCo?
A: My sister-in-law has been part of the Classical Bollywood classes for several years. When she told me about the option to join online, it immediately stood out — especially since I live in Germany.
Q: How did it feel to perform the curtain raiser for a professional show?
A: It felt like a huge honour. Sonia is extremely well known and highly accomplished, so being part of the curtain raiser for her production was very special.
Q: Can you tell us about the piece you performed?
A: The piece told the story of a woman waiting for her long-lost love. She lights a diya (lamp) and protects its flame, symbolising hope and devotion.
Q: What were rehearsals like?
A: They were intense but rewarding. We learned to work closely as a team and discovered new sides of ourselves.
Q: What was your favourite part of the experience?
A: Forming friendships and connecting with my teammates.
Kiruthika: Finding Expression Through Dance
Q: Please introduce yourself.
A: I’m Kiruthika, part of Sonia ma’am’s group, and I’ve been with the group for about two terms. Classical dance involves deep expression and emotion, and being part of this group has been incredibly fulfilling.
Q: How long have you been taking classes?
A: Around three to six months.
Q: What do you gain from the classes?
A: Beyond the joy of dancing, the classes bring discipline, teamwork, and collaboration.
Q: Where are you based?
A: I live near Southampton. I usually attend classes online, but I travelled to rehearse and perform in person.
Q: How did it feel to perform the curtain raiser?
A: It was truly an honour and an incredible opportunity.
Q: Can you tell us about the piece you performed?
A: The piece was set to a well-known Hindi song rooted in epic storytelling and choreographed by Sonia ma’am.
Q: What were rehearsals like?
A: They were collaborative and energising, balancing busy work lives with a shared passion for dance.
Q: What was the highlight of the experience for you?
A: Working with Sonia ma’am, fellow dancers, and being part of such beautiful choreography.
Stepping Into the Spotlight
This performance represented months of dedication, collaboration, and a shared love for dance. We were proud to showcase our students who beautifully demonstrate that dance is for everyone, at any stage in life!
Our thanks and congratulations to our Classical Bollywood participants: Abi Raajkumar, Akila John, Diana Raphael Thangaraj, Geetika Sharma, Kiruthika Chandrasekaran, Mary Ryder, Niharika Bansal, Reena Prasad, Shanthi Chandran, Soumitra Suribhatla, Sumita Kapoor, Vandana More
Our Classical Bollywood class is taught by Sonia Sabri MBE and meets weekly in-person and online to learn new choreography inspired by Kathak, South Asian folk dances and the music of Bollywood. If you’re interested in joining our Classical Bollywood classes, for mental and physicial nourishment and opportunities to perform, you can find out more information here.