BHANGRA & GIDDA

One of the most boisterous forms of folk dances from India, Bhangra is also one full of colour and hyperactivity. Traditionally, it was performed in India to celebrate the arrival of spring. However, in recent times the dance form has carved quite a niche for itself, not just nationally in India, but internationally in countries such as the US and the UK, giving way to Bhangra superstars such as Punjabi MC.

Gidda is yet another popular folk dance from Punjab, but this one is specifically for women. It’s just as energetic as Bhangra, yet manages to creatively display feminine grace, elegance and flexibility.

ABOUT THE TEACHER

Ramanpreet Dhanju has been an ardent fan of dancing since the age of 10. That’s when she started performing in her school and winning accolades. This love for recreational dancing transformed into serious dedication when Ramanpreet finished her schooling and started studying classical Indian dance forms,

such as Kathak. After finishing Masters of Arts in Indian Classical Dance (Kathak) at the University of Punjab, Patiala, Ramanpreet spent several years teaching the dance form to students in various schools across Punjab.

As well as Kathak, Ramanpreet has trained in several other forms of Indian dances, such as Bhangra, Gidda and Sammi. She’s also an accomplished Bollywood dancer, with a strong grasp of folk dances, such as Rajasthani and Gujarati.