The new Joe Wicks? Bhangra-dancing brothers become lockdown exercise sensation


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The brothers behind Bounce Bhangra cardio dance classes have become internet exercise sensations as the UK heads for a second lockdown.

London-based Vikram, 33, and Mrinal Seth, 31, could be on course to become a Joe Wicks-style phenomenon as their free exercise and dance sessions attract thousands of participants.

The Seth brothers previously led Bounce Bhangra classes from a studio, but began hosting twice a week from their north London living room via Facebook and Instagram live when the UK’s first Covid-19 lockdown in March forced them to abandon their usual venue.

"We'll definitely be continuing our Monday and Friday classes during lockdown and we're now trying to work out if we can do something more as well," Vikram Seth told The National.

Mrinal (left) and Vikram Seth (right) have been hosting dance classes from their London home. Bounce Bhangra.
Mrinal (left) and Vikram Seth (right) have been hosting dance classes from their London home. Bounce Bhangra.

Each live dance class features a playlist of modern Bhangra music, with simple choreography suited to a range of age groups.

“We did a private session for the ‘Indian Women in Dubai’ Facebook group in mid-September and had an amazing response,” Vikram Seth added.

“There’s been a lot more interest worldwide since lockdown began and we’ve gone on online.”

if you go

The flights

Air France offer flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Cayenne, connecting in Paris from Dh7,300.

The tour

Cox & Kings (coxandkings.com) has a 14-night Hidden Guianas tour of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. It includes accommodation, domestic flights, transfers, a local tour manager and guided sightseeing. Contact for price.

Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club race card

5pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic (PA) Prestige; Dh110,000; 1,400m
5.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic (PA) Prestige; Dh110,000; 1,400m
6pm: Maiden (PA); Dh80,000; 1,600m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship (PA) Listed; Dh180,000; 1,600m
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap; Dh70,000; 2,200m
7.30pm: Handicap (PA); Dh100,000; 2,400m

House-hunting

Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove

  1. Edinburgh, Scotland 
  2. Westminster, London 
  3. Camden, London 
  4. Glasgow, Scotland 
  5. Islington, London 
  6. Kensington and Chelsea, London 
  7. Highlands, Scotland 
  8. Argyll and Bute, Scotland 
  9. Fife, Scotland 
  10. Tower Hamlets, London 

 

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The Bio

Amal likes watching Japanese animation movies and Manga - her favourite is The Ancient Magus Bride

She is the eldest of 11 children, and has four brothers and six sisters.

Her dream is to meet with all of her friends online from around the world who supported her work throughout the years

Her favourite meal is pizza and stuffed vine leaves

She ams to improve her English and learn Japanese, which many animated programmes originate in

Pakistan v New Zealand Test series

Pakistan: Sarfraz (c), Hafeez, Imam, Azhar, Sohail, Shafiq, Azam, Saad, Yasir, Asif, Abbas, Hassan, Afridi, Ashraf, Hamza

New Zealand: Williamson (c), Blundell, Boult, De Grandhomme, Henry, Latham, Nicholls, Ajaz, Raval, Sodhi, Somerville, Southee, Taylor, Wagner

Umpires: Bruce Oxerford (AUS) and Ian Gould (ENG); TV umpire: Paul Reiffel (AUS); Match referee: David Boon (AUS)

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