THE Dancing Nikita Company is back with avaried programme of classical Indian and Bollywood dance routines at the Beck Theatre on Sunday, June 8. Founder Nikita Thakrar, 22, is excited at the prospect.

She says: "Last year was a wonderful experience for all of us. It's slightly different this time because last year we held an open workshop and this time more than 50 of my students will be putting on a performance.

"All the students are so excited and can't wait to put on a good show and perform in such a big theatre as The Beck."

Nikita went to India to learn the ancient dance called Kathak, which originates from the north of the country.

She says: "Everyone has heard of Bollywood, which is basically a fusion between classic Indian and modern Western dance moves. Kathak is different. It has been around for thousands of years and was performed centuries before ballet was created.

"It's going to be an energetic and colourful show that everyone can enjoy, regardless of race or nationality."

Nikita's company has students from the age of four up to adult, many of whom live in and around Hillingdon. They perform and compete in dance tournaments across the country. But she singled out the Arts Week for special praise.

"This series of events is brilliant because it gives local people a platform to perform and an opportunity to experience a range of different art and culture," she says. [25cf] The Dancing Nikita Company's production will start at 6pm on Sunday, June 8. Tickets cost £10.

To find out more call the Beck Theatre on 020 8561 8371 or visit www.dancingnikitacompany.com