Aakash Odedra Company has been keen to adapt our activities ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping up to date with developments has been our priority to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff, students, and artists that we work with. It’s important for us to continue supporting our community, particularly at a time when many people may be feeling isolated and inactive.
In light of this, the next phase of our plan is to cancel the following projects to reduce the risk of infection. This is a sad decision to make but necessary until further guidance has been issued:
Shiamak UK Spring term classes – our recreational Bollywood dance classes for people aged 2 – 102
Bollywood Rocks – a party to bring together all our participants to celebrate Bollywood dance
Block 1 of our Dance and Diabetes project – our Leicester based initiative to prevent diabetes and support those living with diabetes
Aakash Odedra 2 – a unique opportunity for young people aged 14 – 25 to work together as a company and develop as individual dance artists
The View from Here – our series of Leicester based classes for the over 60s
We understand that this is a difficult time for you, and as a not for profit organisation, it is for us too. We are offering refunds for the remainder of the Spring term for Shiamak and Aakash Odedra 2. Some of you may choose to offer the value of your refund as a donation so we can continue to support our community, especially the older people we engage with, and provide secure employment to our dedicated staff. We completely understand that for some this will not be possible, and there is no expectation from us to do so, but we appreciate the support of those who are able.
Our community
We understand that independent artists are some of the hardest hit and are offering support for local artists at this difficult time. If you are a dance artist please read about what we can offer you.
We shall continue to take guidance from Public Health England and the Government; keeping you regularly updated with the development of our programme, including future touring plans and performances remains a priority. At this time of great change and social disruption we are working on ways to maintain the community and spirit of our Bollywood classes in a safe environment. Please continue to monitor our website aakashodedra.com and social media channels for further updates.
“Now is a testing time for us, as humanity we are seeing great change on our door steps. Although we are being asked to isolate ourselves, it’s important we keep our hearts open and hands stretched out to be able to help each other in whatever way big or small that we can.”
We wish everyone the very best for the difficult weeks ahead.
Best wishes from the Aakash Odedra Company