Multiculturalism at its best

Two weeks ago the academic Lord Bhikhu Parakh spoke passionately about what had been achieved through ‘multiculturalism’, with a warning to the coalition Government that to ignore it would turn back the clock on race equality.  Last night I witnessed multiculturalism at its very best.

Politicians, friends, family and supporters turned out to mark the launch of a new performance space in Wembley, north London. A 240 seater theatre with dance classes, workshops and much more has been set up from a local community private enterprise and Regeneration fund.

At its core the Encee arts centre will focus on South Asian dance and arts, but it also intends to deliver such activities as comedy shows, children’s programmes, art exhibitions and writing courses.

It will be a small but cutting edge dance company Zeroculture that will put on this season's programme in partnership with Patidar House.

In recent years South Asian dance has seen its popularity rise with performers such as Gauri Sharma Tripathi gaining national and international renowned, and Bollywood crossing over to Hollywood.

What is, however, amazing about this centre and those behind the project is the fact that they view success not just in terms of balancing the books and nurturing international talent but also bringing local people together to love the arts, learn about their history and at times translate this particular dance in a modern context to a modern audience.

Last night the school showcased Kali, who mesmerised his audience with a series of ancient dances. Afterwards a panel discussion spoke of their passion for this art form and the challenges it faces within widespread arts cuts.

I hope the detractors of multiculturalism venture down to the Encee arts Centre, Patidar House, in Wembley, there they will see, Christians Gujuratis , Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, Finnish, white English and many more races and  cultures coming together under one roof to dance. Simply dance.

Simon Woolley