Students from Honey’s Dance Academy beat off fierce competition as they reached the top spots in the final of the Bollywood Dance Championship. Both solo and group performers battled it out on stage at the Harrow Leisure Centre in-front of a sold out auditorium to prove they have what it takes to become the Bollywood stars of tomorrow. One of the judges for the evening, Shahid Malik from Asian Outlook was indeed so impressed by the calibre of performances and choreography that he has offered students from Honey’s Dance Academy the opportunity to appear in his next Bollywood Blockbuster.

In the 4-7 years solo category Shania Biju, 7, from Ilford danced her way to first place. Shania wowed the judges with her stylish and energetic performance to the song Hoto Pehsi Baat. Karishma Riachara, 7, and Maansai Luhar also 7, from Harrow were close behind her to gain second and third places with their performances.

In the 4-7 years group category Mama’s Princesses from Ilford got first place. The group formed of Kinjal Patel, Diya Lakhani, Sarika Pabari and Ria Dodia, all aged 7, made themselves and their families proud as they performed a vibrant routine to Kajra Laga Ke from the film Jal Bin Machali. ‘The Little Honey Pot’ from Upton Park featuring Visha Vyas, 7, Himani Patel, 7, and Ashni Gandesha, 6, danced their way into second place with the Milton Keynes Kushboos hot on the their heels to gain third place.

In the 8-12 years solo category Sheena Shah, 8, caught the judge’s eyes to win first place with her vibrant performance to Dil Duba from Khakee. Anisha Makadia, 8, from Honey’s Dance Academy in Leicester won second place with Ashmi Pargkh, 11 from Harrow winning third place.

In the 8-12 years group category ‘Bollywood Babes’ from Finchley consisting of Tulsi Varsani, 11, Jaanaki Dhokia, 10, and Pavan Grewal, 12, caught the judge’s eyes winning first place. ‘Desi Fusion’ from Upton Park, featuring Bhavika Patel, 11, Roshni Patel, 10, and Nikhita Bhalsod, 7, won second place with their performance to Nakhre / Naach Baliye / Chum Se from Barsaat / Bunty Aur Bubly / Dus. In the third place, ‘Dancing Dolls’ from Ilford performed to Kangna Re Kangna Re from Paheli.

In the 13-adults solo category Saajan Raja, 14, wowed the judges with his performance to the Kiss Me Baby Remix from Garam Masala. The vibrant and energetic routine earned him first place. Saeeda Safeen, 14 from Wembley gained second place with Sahil Patel from Finchley winning third place.

In the 13-adults group category ‘Flames’ from Croydon consisting of Saajan Raja, Janki Patel, 15, Keerti Thakkar, 15, Reshma Takor, 17, Sohini Shah, 16 and Radeep, 17, won first place for their stylish and superbly choreographed routine to Ek Ajnabee. In second place ‘Sahana’ from Slough made up of Vidya Fatania, 18, Anjeli Chopra, 17, Sonia Mandal, 14, and Priya Sharma, also 14 performed a vibrant routine to to Naach Baliye / Temperature / Let The Music Play. Third place was awarded to ‘Scandalous.’ Alisha Arora, 16, Yoshina Boodhoo, 18 and Lucy Bartholomew, 24, for their energetic performance to Jawani / Ms Scandelous / Ahmi Kuri.

A panel of well-known judges including renowned singer, Hunterz, Ballet Master Alper Tokdemir and Stephen Coles from Spirit Global studied the performers carefully. Performers were marked on criteria such as facial expression, style, energy and enthusiasm. The level of ability was high, making it a tough call for the judges.

As a show special, the Bollywood Dance Championship also showcased the musical ‘Welcome to Planet Bollywood,’ featuring Bollywood star Honey Kalaria. The spectacular Bollywood extravaganza incorporated breath taking dances, superb choreography, vibrant costumes and energetic performances, all displaying the beauty of eastern art and culture.