Celebrate Diwali with the Croydon Community: Free Family-Friendly Workshops and Performances
Centrale & Whitgift invite Croydon residents to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Light, on Saturday, 26th October, from 12 pm to 5 pm at The Whitgift (opposite Superdry). Diwali, a significant festival in Hinduism, symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists. This event is open to people from all backgrounds, promoting the sharing of cultural experiences and fostering a sense of togetherness in the Croydon community.
The day is filled with free workshops and performances, including folk dance, Bollywood, Garba, Odissi, South Asian & Gaana, and Bhangra. Whether you’re an experience dancer or complete novice, these workshops cater to all skill levels and promise to be a memorable experience for everyone. Free henna will also be available throughout the event. Both pre-booked and walk-in spaces for workshops ensure everyone has the chance to participate.
The Diwali Festival in The Whitgift, is a fantastic opportunity to come together, embrace cultural diversity and celebrate the Festival of Light.
Event Programme
12pm – 1pm: Folk Dance workshop led by Anusha Subramanyam @beejadance
A combination of storytelling with classical and folk dance movements choreographed to popular Diwali songs.
You will meet dancers of all ages and backgrounds from the local community and finish with learning a routine which you will get to perform together at the end.
Suitable for all levels and ages.
1.05pm – 1.40pm: Combo Bollywood, semi classical and Bhangra dance workshop led by Angelique Pervaiz @dancetoinspire_uk
Dance to Inspire runs the world’s first officially accredited Bollywood diploma.
Combining several dance forms this workshop will take you through a combination of south Asian dance styles and trending music to teach you today’s popular moves.
Suitable for all ages and levels.
1.45pm – 2pm: Chair Bhangra fitness workshop by Ravi Sandhu @ravi8me
Specially created for the senior community, suitable for all ages and all levels.
Ravi runs Pungra workshops with the primary aim of fitness, offering levels from chair Bhangra to more energetic levels, in order to include everyone in this fun activity.
High energy and high fun, Bhangra, is the festive dance from North India and is characterised by infectiously festive, happy music and vibrating beats.
2.05pm – 2.45pm: Garba dance workshop led by Chittal Vyas @dancebeats_official
Learn the authentic Indian folk-dance form of Garba with internationally renowned Chittal Shah of Dance Beats. This unusual dance form consists of claps, clicks and twists and with this workshop we will help you learn the rhythms and moves of Gujrat’s most popular dance form.
Suitable for all levels and ages.
2.45pm – 3.05pm: Chair Bhangra fitness workshop by Ravi Sandhu @ravi8me
Specially created for the senior community, suitable for all ages and all levels.
3.05pm – 3.40pm: Bollywood dance workshop led by Sowmya Jay Krish @sowmya.jaykrish
To get you moving and grooving to some super fun trending songs this workshop will take you through the basics of Bollywood dance movements and we will finish the session with a choreographed routine that you can perform together!
Suitable for all levels and ages.
3.42pm – 3.51pm: Odisi dance by Sutapa Biswas @doctoredforever
Performance only
3.55pm – 4.15pm: Chair Bhangra fitness workshop by Ravi Sandhu @ravi8me
Specially created for the senior community, suitable for all ages and all levels.
4.15pm – 5pm: Bollywood, Bhangra and Garba workshop led by Aziz Bollymoves Dance @choreographer_aziz
Aziz comes to us from the Mumbai film industry having trained top film stars for dance routines. He specialises in teaching and choreography.
You will finish with learning 2 complete routines to perform with the top trending Bollywood numbers.
Suitable for all levels and ages.
12pm – 5pm: Diya making workshop will run with a 1 hour break from 2-3pm
A chance to design and make your very own festive lamp for Diwali.
Suitable for all ages.
12pm – 5pm: Free Henna will run from with a 1 hour break from 2-3pm.
