31st October 2014: 5.50pm

In October 2014, I had the honour of receiving the Proficiency Award in Dance & Leadership from the Shree Lohana Mahjan community group in Ashton, Manchester. This recognition was a delightful surprise and a significant milestone for me and Ri Ri’s Dance Academy.

Diwali Function Performance

The award ceremony took place during the annual Diwali dinner function in Tameside. I performed a traditional yet exhilarating Bollywood and Bharatantayam dance piece, celebrating Navratri and Diwali through a selection of songs. The performance included timeless hits like “Chalte Chalte” from the 1972 film Pakeezah, ensuring that the elderly in the audience could enjoy and recognize familiar tunes. This fusion of classic and modern Bollywood songs created a vibrant atmosphere suitable for all ages.

A Moment of Recognition

Following my performance, I was invited on stage to receive the award. This accolade was in recognition of my contributions to dance, the arts, and my leadership skills. It also acknowledged my global achievements, including the Bollywood Guinness World Record I set in July 2011. The award was a testament to the hard work and dedication that has gone into Ri Ri’s Dance Academy.

About Shree Lohana Mahjan

Established in 1978, Shree Lohana Mahjan A-U-L has been a pillar of the community, organizing various social events such as Bhajan evenings, cookery competitions, musical entertainment, and variety shows. They have also arranged numerous outings to places like Southport, Blackpool, the Lake District, Alton Towers, Hollingworth Lake, and Whitby Bay.

Typically, Shree Lohana Mahjan awards educational achievements to community members who have excelled in their GCSEs or graduated from university. However, this was the first time they extended their recognition to the arts, highlighting the impact of Ri Ri’s Dance Academy.

Receiving this award was not just a personal achievement but also a significant acknowledgment of the arts within our community. It inspires me to continue promoting dance and cultural heritage through Ri Ri’s Dance Academy.

Lots of love,