Sunday 24th July 2011: 8.37am

Bollywood Guinness World Record – Manchester Mela

On Saturday, July 23rd, 2011, amidst the vibrant festivities of Manchester Mela at Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield, a remarkable event unfolded. Sponsored by Rubicon, the Bollywood Guinness World Record for the most people dancing to a Bollywood routine simultaneously was shattered. This spectacular record was choreographed by none other than Dr Ria Meera Munshi, the dynamic Director of Ri Ri’s Dance Academy.

Choreography by Dr Ria Meera Munshi

I had the privilege of choreographing this historic Bollywood dance routine, guiding an exuberant crowd through the mesmerising steps of the dance. The event saw an overwhelming turnout with 1,406 enthusiastic non-dancers taking centre stage. With the support of four of Ri Ri’s incredibly talented male and female dancers, who joined me on stage, the routine was specially designed to be both simple and fun. Our goal was inclusivity, ensuring participants of all ages and backgrounds could share in this unforgettable moment!

The Song and the Spirit

The electrifying atmosphere was further charged with the vibrant performance of ‘Mehbooba’ by the gifted British Asian musician, Navin Kundra. It was under his melodious spell that we danced our way into the record books. What made this achievement even more special was the charity angle. For each person who danced, Rubicon generously donated £5 to the British Asian Trust, adding a noble cause to our joyful endeavour.

Media Spotlight

Our record-breaking event captured the imagination of the media, bringing Ri Ri’s Dance Academy into the spotlight. We graced the front page of the Ashton Reporter (now the Tameside Reporter) and enjoyed a prominent feature in Asian Lite in August 2011.

BBC Radio Manchester

Following our success, I was invited for an interview on BBC Radio Manchester, where I had the pleasure of speaking with Talat Farooq Awan. We discussed the Academy, the Guinness World Record, and the exciting future plans for Ri Ri’s Dance Academy.

Breaking this record was not just about dancing; it was about uniting people through the universal language of dance, creating joyous memories, and supporting a worthy cause. This journey was one of passion, dedication, and immense pride. As we look back at this milestone, we at Ri Ri’s Dance Academy continue to celebrate the spirit of Bollywood dance and the community that made it possible. Let’s keep dancing and breaking boundaries together!

Lots of love,