Try ballroom dancing and burlesque classes at James & Alex Dance Studio. Courtesy James & Alex
Try ballroom dancing and burlesque classes at James & Alex Dance Studio. Courtesy James & Alex

Five things to do today: See The Illusionists 2.0 or catch final day of the European Film Screenings



Try the ballroom dancing and burlesque classes recently added to James & Alex Dance Studios' schedule. With salsa, contemporary, tango, belly dancing, Zumba, ballet and hip-hop to choose from as well, it's easy to fiand a dance style that's right for you. From 2pm to 10pm, Dh65 per class and packages are available, Dubai Media City, 04 447 0773, www.jamesandalex.com

See The Illusionists 2.0, featuring world-class master magicians performing a mix of their most outrageous and unbelievable optical illusions with cutting-edge visual effects for a fast-paced, high-energy performance. At 9pm, from Dh199, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 056 675 6834, www.tixbox.com

Make plans to take your kids to the European Day of Languages, where children ages 6-10 can experience free lessons in English, French, German and Czech, plus enjoy story-telling sessions, films, arts and crafts and food. September 27, from 10am to 4pm, free, German International School Dubai, Al Quoz, 04 325 9865, www.facebook.com/EDLDUBAI

Check out Superheroes Present: The Dance Off Soundsystem. Four DJs and battle MCs from the UK festival circuit will present an interactive show including dance and rap battles, plus the Red Bull breakdance team will show off some moves. From 6pm to 3am, free entry, The Dek on Eight, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, www.facebook.com/superheroesdubai

Catch the final day of the European Film Screenings, which features the best of recent independent films including Blind Spot at 6pm and Good Bye, Lenin! at 8pm, plus the Emirati short film La Tkhaleeny (Don't Leave Me) by Khalid Al Mahmood. Free entry, Cine 1, VOX Cinemas, Mercato Mall, Dubai, www.facebook.com/EuropeanFilmScreenings

listings@thenational.ae

The biog

Age: 23

Occupation: Founder of the Studio, formerly an analyst at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Education: Bachelor of science in industrial engineering

Favourite hobby: playing the piano

Favourite quote: "There is a key to every door and a dawn to every dark night"

Family: Married and with a daughter

Pathaan
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The specs

Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission: nine-speed

Power: 542bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: Dh848,000

On sale: now

Classification from Tour de France after Stage 17

1. Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) 73:27:26"

2. Rigoberto Uran (Colombia / Cannondale-Drapac) 27"

3. Romain Bardet (France / AG2R La Mondiale)

4. Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana Pro Team) 53"

5. Mikel Landa (Spain / Team Sky) 1:24"

Scorebox

Sharjah Wanderers 20-25 Dubai Tigers (After extra-time)

Wanderers

Tries Gormley, Penalty

Cons Flaherty

Pens Flaherty 2

Tigers

Tries O’Donnell, Gibbons, Kelly

Cons Caldwell 2

Pens Caldwell, Cross

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPECS
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What is Diwali?

The Hindu festival is at once a celebration of the autumn harvest and the triumph of good over evil, as outlined in the Ramayana.

According to the Sanskrit epic, penned by the sage Valmiki, Diwali marks the time that the exiled king Rama – a mortal with superhuman powers – returned home to the city of Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, after vanquishing the 10-headed demon Ravana and conquering his kingdom of Lanka. The people of Ayodhya are believed to have lit thousands of earthen lamps to illuminate the city and to guide the royal family home.

In its current iteration, Diwali is celebrated with a puja to welcome the goodness of prosperity Lakshmi (an incarnation of Sita) into the home, which is decorated with diyas (oil lamps) or fairy lights and rangoli designs with coloured powder. Fireworks light up the sky in some parts of the word, and sweetmeats are made (or bought) by most households. It is customary to get new clothes stitched, and visit friends and family to exchange gifts and greetings.