Speaking the shared language of dance to improve their community

Kimberly Spice –

The organization Regent Park Bangladesh Community was started in 2001 to bring residents together to address neighbourhood concerns which plagued the area.

“Maintenance and safety issues in community housing and educational issues were very bad,” Mohammed Alamgir, event coordinator, told The Bulletin. “Since the organization, things are improving.”

Membership currently stands at approximately 450 families.

Regent Park is home to a variety of cultures and ethnic groups resulting in more than 200 languages spoken in the area. Many events taking place in Regent Park have been an expression of each community but it was Mohammed Alamgir who wanted to bring all of them together to work on a project.

“The rhythm is the same but the language is different,” stated Alamgir, adding the group has been practicing together since February. “Some people said we could not do it but we thought let’s try. We did try, its fine and not a problem. We don’t all understand each other but we all understand the rhythm.”

Regent Park Bangladesh Community’s performance, Bengali Performance and Folk Songs and Indian Dance with African Drums, takes place Aug. 24 at the Daniel Spectrum Hall, 585 Dundas Street East.

For more information about the organization, including volunteering and future events, email Sumayya_342@hotmail.com.