Leicester Dance Crew Grooves to Beat Cancer Fatigue with Bollywood Moves!

In Leicester, a special dance group is making a big difference for people affected by cancer. Every Thursday, the group gathers at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre to take part in Bollywood-themed dance sessions. The group is open to anyone living with cancer, people who have survived cancer, their families, caregivers, and even those who have lost loved ones to the disease. The sessions are organized by Move Against Cancer, Apnapan cancer support group, and Jayna Dance Academy. The goal is to help people exercise in a safe and friendly environment where there is no pressure to perform perfectly.

Indy Samra, who helps lead Apnapan, explains that studies show movement can help reduce tiredness during and after cancer treatment. She says the group is all about moving in a way that works for each person. There are move mentors in the group who have been trained to support others. These mentors make sure everyone feels comfortable and supported, no matter their ability or experience with dance. The group recently finished a Bollywood block dance program to celebrate World Cancer Day, and they plan to keep offering these sessions in the future.

Nazeem Bi, the operations director for Move Against Cancer, joined the dance group after her own cancer diagnosis. She says she wanted to spread the message that movement is important for people with cancer. She believes that not enough people know about the benefits of exercise during cancer treatment. The dance instructor, Janyna Patel, says the real magic happens in the dance class, where everyone can relax and have fun together. The group also enjoys sharing food and making sure everyone feels included. By coming together to dance, the group is helping people with cancer feel stronger, happier, and more connected to others.