Bolly good

Fancy learning to dance like they do in those exotic Indian musicals? Sophie Bond finds a place where you can.
Vidya Venugopalan is a picture of health and brims with energy. The 23-year-old jumps neatly into the air, demonstrating one of the moves she teaches at Bollyworx exercise classes. "Not everyone can manage this one," she looks concerned for a moment, "but anyone can do Bollyworx. It's not exclusive to a particular age or fitness group".
Miss Venugopalan has been teaching the classes, choreographed to Bollywood music, in New Lynn since late last year. Now she's going to lead a new class starting in Mt Roskill.
Bollyworx was created by the Sports Recreation and Outdoors Trust, a charitable trust based in Auckland that is encouraging people of Indian origin to lead active, healthy lives.
Miss Venugopalan says Bollyworx appeals to the Indian community as the music is familiar, catchy and whole families can take part. "Even my Mum and people in our community think it's really easy and they see they can achieve good fitness. For a 20-year-old, my mum and a senior all to be able to say that after a session is amazing."
Deepti Masarani is a regular at the New Lynn classes since a friend recommended them. "Frankly, I'm not a gym person but I knew I needed to work out and it was fun and I wanted to continue with it."
The 43-year-old says she's since introduced several friends to Bollyworx. "They thank me all the time and they go regularly now. It's Indian music but I think all cultures can
enjoy it."
Ram Lingam is a trustee and one of the Bollyworx creators. He says the idea arose from watching friends and family dance to Bollywood music at birthday parties. "We found that the dance was energetic and that there was a worldwide craze about Bollywood dance workouts."
Mr Lingam says Bollyworx, based on simple aerobic moves, is suitable for all ages and abilities. Marketed as a workout for families, he says there is a special focus on getting women to attend. "We find that when the lady of the house comes along she usually brings the whole family."
Miss Venugopalan is trained in classical Indian dance, Bharata Natyam, and works as a primary health project co-ordinator. She's passionate about health and fitness and sees Bollyworx as a good way to address the typically sedentary South Asian lifestyle.
Shake it
Bollyworx classes run every Wednesday, 6.30 to 7.30pm, in the Mt Roskill War
Memorial Hall. Saturday classes are 11.15am to 12.15pm at the New Lynn Community Centre. Free.