Dance for hope over despair

mania with our plan for a stronger economy with tax relief for families and small and medium businesses and record infrastructure investments.

“The PM is looking forward to visiting Tasmania again soon.”

A follow-up question on whether that meant the ScoMo Express would cross Bass Strait was not answered.

The Liberals are yet to announce their candidates for the federal seats of Bass and Lyons.

Bass swung 10 per cent to Labor MHR Ross Hart’s favour in 2016. Lyons also went to Labor from Liberal Eric Hutchinson with a 3.5 per cent swing.

Mr Morrison has received criticism for travelling Queensland largely by jet, leaving the bus emblazoned with his face carrying only a driver for long legs of the trip.

His tour of Queensland finished yesterday. THIS could be you. Aspiring Bollywood dancers are encouraged to work up a sweat for an “extremely beginners” mass Bollywood dance celebrating Diwali, the Indian festival of light.

The high-energy routine is billed to be the highlight of tonight’s Street Eats Franko pop up.

“It’s really fun and exciting. All the dancing energy that people have, they can pour it all out in the workshop,” said dance co-ordinator Pratik Vhatkar.

A troupe of about 20 dancers will take festivalgoers through the moves, which Vhatkar says has been two months in the making.

“Bollywood embodies the sense of joy and happiness that you celebrate during Diwali. It runs in our blood. We’re just born with it,” said Vhatkar, who heads up Rhythmz Bollywood on Bathurst St, the studio behind the all-in dance routine. “Every Indian festival has to have dance because that’s how people in India celebrate joy.”

Diwali is the Indian festival of light, celebrating the conquering of good over evil and hope over despair. At its core, it’s a festival of happiness.

Hobart’s answer to the national celebration is an Indian takeover of the popular Friday night food markets, with more than 20 stalls.

It features a cultural program, including turban tying and henna tattoo techniques.

Street Eats Franko events manager Madi Seeber-Peattie said about 4000 are expected again for this year’s Diwali.

“There’s such a buzz in the air when the Indian community comes together,” she said.

“It’s a beautiful event awash with vibrant colours.”

Diwali 2018 kicks off from 4.30pm at Franklin Square, Hobart.