What is Bhangra?
Bhangra is a type of traditional energetic folk dance originated from Punjab, India. It was a celebratory dance that welcomed the coming of spring that was performed by the Sikh and Muslim men.
Dance Style & Music
The dance typically includes a lot of kicks, leaps, and bends of the body that has a swinging rhythmic character. In Punjab, Indian field workers would sing to the rhythm of the dhol drum. The music would include short songs called boliyan, couplets sung in Punjab.
In the 20th century, Bhangra became more known, leaving behind its agricultural significance to now being included in different types of celebrations. The music style has changed a lot throughout the years and is now being mixed with hip hop and reggae styles of music as well as shifting the songs texts from Punjibi to English, or a mix of both.
In Gables Bhangra, we enjoy learning and dancing to a variety of Punjabi dance styles and music.
Accomplishments
Performing yearly at Bridge for Peace, which helps gain awareness and raise money for global issues.
Performing at Fall Frolics, which helps raise money for the Gablettes.
Provide community service hours for our members, as well as CAS Experience for IB students!
Performing at 305 Tran Traali, a local Indian dance competition
In previous years Bhangra has participated in several local events, including the Miracle Walk to raise money for Down Syndrome research, and held workshops for a local middle school dance teams.
Interested in joining?
Bhangra might seem a bit different from the usual dance styles that we are used to, but do not be intimidated! Not only are students being exposed to the intricacies of Indian culture, but they are also allowed to express themselves creatively with this unique art form.
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