They Asked Us – And We Said “Yes”
It all started with a phone call…
Several months ago someone rang the BBX Fitness telephone number to ask if we could encourage people to apply for places as Bhangra dancers for the opening ceremony of the upcoming Commonwealth Games. These are the 22nd Commonwealth Games and they are taking place here in our hometown of Birmingham, UK, between the 28th July and 8th August, 2022.
Of course, we answered “Yes” to the question and we immediately put the call out to all our BBX Bhangra Fitness workout class members. Many responded (who wouldn’t want a chance to perform at the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony?) and were invited to auditions. The result? We now have around 30 of our BBX members who will be taking part in the opening ceremony!
Its now the end of June and we are knee-deep in our gruelling programme of rehearsals at a secret venue in Birmingham.
It’s tough, its tiring, but everyone is loving it. We realise that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. How many people will ever be able to say that they performed in front of a global audience at the opening ceremony of one of the biggest sports events in the world?
What Are the Commonwealth Games?
The Commonwealth Games is a 23-sport event which is held every 4 years and competed for by 72 different teams. Although there are currently 54 members of the Commonwealth of Nations, it’s a feature of the Commonwealth Games that a number of dependent territories who do not compete separately at the Olympic Games, compete in the Commonwealth Games under their own flags. For example, the four Home Nations of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) all send separate teams. 
For the purposes of the Commonwealth Games, 4 Home Nations, 3 Crown Dependencies and all but three of the inhabited Overseas Territories all of whom are represented by Team GB at the Olympic Games, compete as 14 separate delegations. These will be the 22nd Commonwealth Games and the third taking place in England after London and Manchester hosted previous Games (Scotland has also hosted 3 times and Wales has hosted once). These Games were awarded to Birmingham after the original hosts, Durban, South Africa, were banned from hosting the event due to financial difficulties.
Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony Rehearsals
Rehearsals for the opening ceremony of the Games will continue up until 2 days before the day. Naturally everything is shrouded in secrecy so we can’t give any specifics about the event – except that it will be spectacular! What we can say is that we are part of the Bhangra group (naturally) who are one of several different groups performing dance styles that are reflective of the many and varied dances to be found in the Commonwealth nations. The rehearsals are exhausting and time-consuming, but the BBXers are loving it and our excitement is building! We will soon be moving from our secret location to the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, which will be the venue for the Opening Ceremony and all the athletics events. There is still lots to do – lots of dance moves and sequences to learn and lots of costume fittings to complete – and only 4 weeks left. But we will be ready and its going to be an incredible show!
There are still a few Commonwealth Games tickets available, so if you’re quick, you might be able to grab some and get a chance to experience this fantastic event. But whether or not you’re a fan of any of the sports, be sure to tune in on Thursday 28th July, to watch the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, where – in the midst of hundreds of other performers – you will see the BBX Bhangra Fitness dancers strutting our stuff in front of (hopefully) the Queen a global audience of millions and doing our best to represent and promote Bhangra and Birmingham with a big “Bruuuahhh!”
Fingers crossed that is doesn’t rain!!!
To find out more about the Commonwealth Games and book tickets, go to https://www.birmingham2022.com/
