Classes in Indian dancing are being held on Sundays at Carlton by the recently formed Abhinay Performing Arts group.

Abhinay stands for "the art of performing'' in Hindi and the school is dedicated to promoting art and culture from the Indian Subcontinent through instructional classes and performances.

The school was founded by St George resident Aishveryaa Nidhi, who studied acting in India, New Zealand and Australia.

Mrs Nidhi has acted in several Bollywood films including Virsa which was filmed in Sydney with an Indian cast and Australian crew and is due to be released in May.

She is appearing in the Short and Sweet festival of short plays at NIDA, Kensington. Mrs Nidhi describes the new dancing classes as Bollywood fusion. ``They are basically a mix of all Indian dancing forms including classical dancing like Kathak and Bhangra,'' Mrs Nidhi said. "There are classes for children and adults. Everyone is welcome.''

Mrs Nidhi said there were benefits to learning Indian dancing. "It is definitely healthy and it will help people show of their skills and to perform at parties,'' she said. "People will have a chance to perform at various cultural events.''

The school also has classes in Indian singing and instrument playing.

The dance classes are held at 6pm on Sundays at Carlton School of Arts, 2 Short Street, Carlton. Bollywood dancing: Aishveryaa Nidhi, 0488 200 222. Abhinay School of Performing Arts: Abhinay