The Dance of the Punjab is a curious combination of bhangra dance propelled by Irish and Scottish traditional music
It all started in a kitchen, like many good things do. Some people were chatting around the chips and salsa, while a few introverts stood against the wall, and friends were introduced to friends of friends. It was a lowkey potluck and the atmosphere was relaxed. A few musicians arrived with their instruments and began to set up chairs in a circle formation.
Fast forward two hours: Sweat dripped down my forehead and my heart followed the sound of the bodhran drum. The living room furniture had been rearranged to make room for the dancers who twirled around, stomping the soles of their feet on the wooden floor, trying to keep up to the fast-paced beat of the music. There wasn’t a foot in the house that wasn’t tapping. Even the introverts, who had relocated from the kitchen wall to the protection of the living room couch, looked about ready to jump up and dance.
That’s when the magic happened. Several people instinctively started doing bhangra dance moves to the jigs and reels of the band. It was an immediate match! East and West stuck together well,
and so, a great idea had been born.
On Saturday, Dec. 17, Yukoners will have a chance to immerse themselves in an uplifting show Bhangra: The Dance of the Punjab, which will feature bhangra dancing to traditional Irish and Scottish music by the Whitehorse band Crooked Folk, as well as group dances from Gurdeep’s bhangra dance class students.
The evening has been organized by Gurdeep Pandher and it will be hosted by Grant Simpson. There will be a cash bar.
Audience members are also invited to join the dancing.
The show Bhangra: The Dance of the Punjab takes place Saturday, Dec. 17 at The Old Firehall. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the show starts at 7 p.m.
For more information go to www.Gurdeep.ca.
