As far back as he can remember, Karan Singh has been practising bhangra, a North Indian folk dance, but on coming to Regina from his previous home in Dubai, he saw no one offering formal lessons in the city. He set out to change that.
Indian dance form inspires confidence and pride for this growing group of dancers
Janani Whitfield · CBC News
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This story is part of a CBC Sask. series featuring artists’ work in celebration of Asian Heritage Month. For more on this project, visit the main page at cbc.ca/lovesk, where you can see more of the art we’ll be featuring.
When he’s not on the road trucking, Karandeep Singh is dancing and bringing his passion for bhangra to people in his new home in Regina.
“I seriously don’t know how I balance it all,” he admits, noting he’s on the road five to six days of the week for long hours, while coming back to run dance classes in Regina.
But in the midst of long days on the road, he’ll get texts from people talking about the lessons or asking for help in teaching their children a new step.
“That’s really motivating for me and that’s what keeps me going actually.”
WATCH: Bhangra Crew Regina creates dance for CBC Saskatchewan:
Bhangra Crew Regina dancers show off their moves
For Asian Heritage Month, Bhangra Crew Regina members put together a dance that represents some of the steps of bhangra and the origins of the dance in the north Indian state of Punjab, where men would dance by the river and the growing crops.
As far back as he can remember, the 24-year-old has been doing the North Indian folk dance, but on coming to Regina from his previous home in Dubai, he saw offering formal lessons in the city.
“I started Bhangra Crew in June 2022 and then ever since, we have been dancing, growing the team,” he said, noting the crew has expanded to 50 members, including children and adults.
For Asian Heritage Month, Bhangra Crew Regina members put together a dance that represents some of the steps of bhangra and the origins of the dance in the north Indian state of Punjab, where men would dance by the river and the growing crops.
“It showcases our rich culture, how it was in the olden days, and how we should never forget our roots … and try to bring a positive image of wherever we are from or wherever we are staying,” he said.
Some Canadians might have been familiarized with bhangra through Yukon resident and teacher Gurdeep Pandher, who shares social media videos of himself bhangra dancing in the snow and woods of the northern territory.
Like Pandher, Karandeep says bhangra is about positivity.
“Being able to do bhangra is something that’s really challenging and as well it’s very motivating for some people,” he said, explaining that he can see how it brings about change in the adults he teaches. “When you do bhangra, you gain a different kind of confidence which you’re able to use in your everyday life.”
Check out our other Asian Heritage Month content here:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Janani Whitfield is a community engagement producer who also edits feature storytelling and first-person pieces for CBC Saskatchewan. Contact her at janani.whitfield@cbc.ca.
with files from Natascia Lypny
