D Dance Theatre CIC launched its new National Lottery funded ‘Health and Wellbeing with Bollywood Dancing and Tea’ programme at Beeston Village Community Centre on Monday 27 July 2026. It is aimed at the elderly and people living with a long term illness.
This is an inclusive initiative designed to improve physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connection across the Leeds and Wakefield community. The initiative welcomes everyone, with a particular focus on older adults, people living with long-term health conditions, individuals experiencing social isolation, and anyone wishing to improve their mental and physical wellbeing through movement, music, and community participation.
Each session combines enjoyable Bollywood dance with tea, coffee, and conversation. Bollywood dancing combines hand and feet movements with mental coordination and grace. Stevin K Antony, Dance Teacher, makes it adaptable to the audience and participants, which makes it doable and fun for everyone. Everyone does the dancing at their own pace and time. There are many days out also organised such as a visit to the Piece Hall in Halifax, Tea with the Lord Mayor, etc.
This creates a fun environment where participants can improve their physical fitness, boost confidence, develop friendships, and become part of a supportive community.
The official launch was attended by distinguished guests including The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Stephen Holroyd, Councillor Paula Jane Thackray, Councillor Wayne Beddoes, Debbani Ghosh , CEO at Association of Blind Asians and Rajeev Dewedi, whose presence demonstrated strong support for community-led health and wellbeing initiatives.
Receiving funding from The National Lottery Community Fund represents a significant milestone for D Dance Theatre CIC. The award is the result of months of dedication, detailed planning, extensive funding applications, community consultation, programme development, and the unwavering commitment of the organisation’s staff, volunteers, and supporters.
Speaking on the launch, Ayesha Shamim, Project Coordinator and Founder Director of D Dance Theatre CIC said:
“This programme represents much more than dance classes. It is about bringing people together, reducing loneliness, improving health and wellbeing, celebrating culture, and creating opportunities for everyone to enjoy movement regardless of age or ability. We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund, our partners, participants, and everyone who has supported our journey.”
The organisation extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the project a reality, including dance teachers Stevin K Antony and Nandu, Project Coordinator and Director Ayesha Shamim, colleagues Director Thelma Abson and Director Susan A Warrior, supporter Anu Sharma of YIBN, previous participants, patrons, volunteers, and community partners.
Special recognition is given to Stevin K Antony for his extensive work in dancing, choreographing, programme development, administration, funding preparation, promotional design, and supporting the successful delivery of the project.
Prior to the official launch, D Dance Theatre CIC celebrated its National Lottery funding with patrons and supporters at Oulton Hall Hotel on 6 July saying goodbye to the Oulton Bollywood Classes where we leave a legacy of Bollywood Dancing which is now continuing under the leadership of local ladies with our first Dance Teacher Ms Chiragi Solanki, therefore recognising the collective effort that made the programme possible and reaffirming its commitment to expanding community engagement across West Yorkshire.
Through dance, creativity, conversation, cultural exchange, and community activities, D Dance Theatre CIC continues to demonstrate how the arts can play a vital role in improving health, tackling isolation, and strengthening local communities.
As the programme continues throughout the coming year, the organisation looks forward to welcoming new participants and building lasting partnerships that enrich lives through creativity and wellbeing.
“Health and Wellbeing with Bollywood Dancing and Tea” runs at Beeston Village Community Centre (LS11 8DQ) every Monday, 11am-12:30pm. For more information contact 07736 960810 or email: infoddancetheatrecic@gmail.com
This post is based on a press release issued by D Dance Theatre CIC
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