People
Strictly Ballroom ...
In Coventry
NEWS REPORT
Finding a Punjabi who dances the bhangra is not unusual, but to find one on the ballroom dance floor is a bit of a novelty.
Parmjit Singh took one of his biggest challenges by entering into Strictly Coventry 2014 which is based on the BBC Strictly Come Dancing.
The event was organised by Step By Step Dance School in Oxford through the hard work of Tiziana Jones and Andrzej Mialkowski partnering with Dancing Feet School Coventry.
The fundraising event was held to raise urgent funds for Zoe Place Baby Hospice.
With the encouragement of his wife Balvinder Kaur and children, Jasjeet and Simran, Parmjit took the challenge in his stride, committing to attending six practice sessions before the performance which was held at the Albany Theatre in Coventry, United Kingdom, on 17 May, 2014.
Parmjit was half of one pair thus strutting, out of a total of 18 couples.
Each couple was made up of a proficient dancer being partnered with a novice who had not danced before.
Paired up with Tiziana Jones, Parmjit took up the challenge of learn the routines for the performance which was the American Waltz and Salsa. Training was provided by dance professional, Gabriel Gospodin.
Being of the Sikh Faith and knowing the importance of “daswand” (tithing), Parmjit took the extraordinary approach to this by offering his time and his inhibitions to raise funds.
With help of his friends, family and work colleagues, Parmjit raised £1500 which contributed to the total raised for the evening of £12000 for the Hospice which offers respite and palliative terminal care to babies and support to their parents.
Parmjit commented: “I was definitely out of my comfort zone. Those who know me, know that I am a shy and reserved individual. When I attend weddings I avoid the dance floor. I danced bhangra in my young childhood and now leave the dancing to the younger generations.
“I was pleased to raise funds for a great cause, and instead of taking the easy option of donating money myself, taking to the stage was a massive challenge for me personally.”
Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/parmjit-singh1. You can get further information on the great work at Zoe Place by visiting http://www.zoes-place.org.uk/coventry/
May 21, 2014
Conversation about this article
1: Jasbeer Singh (India), May 22, 2014, 2:04 PM.
Ah ... this one is good! Excellent! Unique way ... Keep posting similar ones.
2: Chintan Singh (San Jose, California, USA), May 22, 2014, 3:14 PM.
What a great way to get involved with mainstream communities and support such an important cause. This shows the real essence of Sikh - Sarbat da Bhalla! I salute you, sir - S. Parmjit Singh ji.
3: Devinder Suri (New Delhi, India), May 22, 2014, 3:44 PM.
A true Sikh-Briton. Through his noble acts, always an example for his family and friends. Proud of you, PAMS. God bless you.