Thunderous applause greeted the return of Hollywood to Bollywood, the larger-than-life production and cultural event held on March 13, 2015, at the Abqaiq Theater before a full house of attendees at the sold-out event.

The production featured 97 participants, representing over 60 nationalities and ranging in age from 2 to 58 years old. "The creativity and energy were infectious," said event coordinator Jay Rane, as the performers took to the stage enthusiastically presenting 27 choreographed performances set to music from Hollywood and Bollywood.

The Abqaiq Art, Craft, and Hobby Group meticulously decorated the stage surroundings with saris, quilts, blankets, and embroideries, while the Girls Scouts offered delicious samosas and cookies in the foyer.

Valli's Vision

Hollywood to Bollywood was first conceptualized by Dr. Valli Batchelor, the event's artistic director, and premiered in 2011 under the sponsorship of the SAEA's Abqaiq Chapter. "This event is an example of how the arts of movements and music can break barriers, deepen bonds of friendship, and promote health," said Batchelor, an Abqaiq resident since 2009 and an Australian national award-winning proponent of multicultural arts. "It is neither about professionalism nor perfection, but about the magic of community engagement". Based on its success and high community interest, several repeat productions and sequels have followed in the past three years.

From Hollywood...

This year's performance began with a contemporary yoga interpretation and continued with popular Hollywood numbers from Michael Jackson's timeless Billie Jean and Thriller, the classic Flash dance, and the Macarena to which fathers, toddlers, teenage boys, and young children came together. An empowering Super Girls number with Girl Scouts and middle school girls followed, and Kung Fu Fighting with mesmerizing martial arts. Middle schoolers performed basketball-themed numbers to Get'cha Head in the Game and Greased Lightning, followed by the catchy Waka Waka and Laluz led by two of Abqaiq's Zumba instructors. This segment closed with all performers on stage participating in unison to Break the Chain, echoing women's well-being and freedom.

To Bollywood...

The second half of the show radiated with enthralling demonstrations, vibrant costumes, and energizing drum beats, balanced with tranquil yoga-based movements. These performances ranged from renditions of South and North Indian classical pieces followed by traditional Garba to popular Bollywood numbers, such as Dholare, Kajrare, Sivakasi, Bhangra King, Jhoom Barabar and Jai Ho, enhanced with energetic drumming The event concluded with all participants performing a calming yoga segment and a benediction recognizing the power of the arts and culture for community health This was followed by a rousing impromptu encore performance by the entire ensemble.

An out-of-this-world experience

The response from the captivated audience was overwhelmingly positive. Motivated participants were a testament to the fulfilling purpose of this event to promote community engagement, social inclusion, health, and happiness through intercultural arts. The feedback from adults and children was enthusiastic.

"It was an out-of-this-world musical experience for me and my family," said Syed Ali, SAEA president.

"What I loved the most was meeting others while exercising," said Rosa Mendoza, an Abqaiq School teacher.

"My 8-year-old son Mohammad was so excited and couldn't stop talking about the rehearsals," said Abdullah Yami, planning supervisor at the Power Operations Department.

"It was so much fun!" said Grade 7 student, Roselle Torres. "friends and I wished we had rehearsals every day."

Rane thanked Batchelor for her vision and its realization.