Culture clash at Eastwood charity show

The Thousand and One Nights charity event takes place on May 10 — and with bellydancing, Bollywood, traditional Indian and Latin American shows on offer, there’s plenty to tempt dance fans along.

The night is in aid of Alzheimer Scotland — a charity close to organiser Suraya Ahmed’s heart.

Professional bellydancer and teacher Suraya told The Extra: “It’s a terrible disease. My mum, Jean, had Alzheimers until she passed away in 2012. It hit her really badly, and made me realise that people suffering from it need a lot of support.

“I do a lot of charity nights and try to pick a different one each year to support, but for me, raising money for Alzheimer Scotland is an amazing cause.”

A representative from the charity will be on hand to show the audience where all their money goes — and after that, it’s on to the colourful entertainment.

Suraya’s 36 bellydancing students will be strutting their stuff on the night (in homemade costumes no less), as will Swati Chauhan’s Bollywood Divas, from Glasgow’s Dance With Attitude.

There’s music on the billing too — and from a local rock choir to one young soloist bringing Broadway to Eastwood Park, there’s something for everyone.

Suraya — who teaches in Paisley and Glasgow (including the southside’s own Pollokshaws Burgh Halls) — added: “I’d love to raise as much as I possibly can to help anyone who has this disease.

“I’ve raised up to £4,500 at previous events and hope people will come along and show the same support.

“Eastwood Park Theatre is a fabulous venue, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the seats filled.”

The show kicks off at 8pm on Saturday, May 10, and tickets (£12) are available from 557 4956 or the Eastwood Park website.