Close X
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
ADVT 
National

KPU launches post-secondary bhangra course

Darpan News Desk, 08 Aug, 2016 10:40 AM
    Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is launching an introductory bhangra course – the first of its kind in Surrey – as part of the university’s cultural studies programming. Students will learn about Punjabi culture through modern and traditional folk dancing and music.
     
    “As a longtime fan of bhangra music and dance, I am delighted that KPU can now bring this exciting cultural practice to KPU students,” said KPU provost and vice-president, academic Dr. Salvador Ferreras, whose PhD is in ethnomusicology. “As our university realizes its goal to nurture innovative and engaged global citizens, this new bhangra course ignites our campus with rhythm, dance and song.”
     
    He adds, “This course is for anyone looking for a new and wonderful cultural immersion and sharing experience.”
     
    Bhangra is a popular folk dance that originated in the Punjab region of North India and has gained popularity around the world. Over time, it has been integrated with Western dance styles in diasporic communities like the South Asian populations across B.C. KPU Punjabi instructor Ranbir Johal believes the course will be extremely popular. “Students will learn much about Punjabi culture and performance traditions,” she notes.
     
    Bhangra instructors Gurpreet Sian and Rayman Bhuller are both accomplished musicians. Sian, who is executive director of the South Asian Arts Society, has participated in dozens of international bhangra competitions and events, including the 2009 JUNO Awards and the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. He and fellow bhangra aficionado Raakhi Sinha created a comedic dance musical, “Bollywood Wedding,” which was voted Best Outdoor Interactive Theatre Event by The Georgia Straight in 2009.
     
    Bhuller is a multi-talented musician who plays piano, harmonium, tabla, dholak and dhol, among other instruments. Head of the music program at the South Asian Arts Society, Bhuller has been teaching dhol for more than 15 years and helped develop the curriculum for the society’s dhol drumming courses. Every year, he ventures to India for private training with Ustad Ramzu Bhai.
     
    KPU’s bhangra course is for anyone wishing to learn more about Punjabi culture through music and dance. The classes are suitable for beginners who have never bhangra danced before, as well as for those who have some prior experience.
     
    “This is a unique opportunity for KPU students to learn the energetic, yet graceful dance form of bhangra,” says Sian. “This studio-based course will also dive into the history and folklore associated with Bhangra dance and music.
     
    There are no prerequisites. Instruction takes place at KPU Surrey, 12666-72nd Ave., Surrey. For more information and to register, visit kpu.ca

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Court Won't Toss Omar Khadr Appeal Judge But Says Serious Issues At Stake

    Nevertheless, the D.C. Circuit said it was not prepared at this time to grant the former Guantanamo Bay inmate's request.

    Court Won't Toss Omar Khadr Appeal Judge But Says Serious Issues At Stake

    CRTC Launches Public Hearing To Evaluate So-Called $25 Skinny Cable TV

    CRTC Launches Public Hearing To Evaluate So-Called $25 Skinny Cable TV
    As of March 1, the CRTC mandated cable and satellite TV service providers to offer basic cable packages capped at $25 monthly and let consumers either add channels onto their subscriptions in an a-la-carte manner or through pre-packaged bundles.

    CRTC Launches Public Hearing To Evaluate So-Called $25 Skinny Cable TV

    A Test For Trudeau Liberals: More Than 250 Canadian Scientists Demand Site C Be Stopped

    A Test For Trudeau Liberals: More Than 250 Canadian Scientists Demand Site C Be Stopped
    The Royal Society of Canada is joining some 250 academics in calling on the Liberal government to stop development on British Columbia's Site C hydroelectric project.

    A Test For Trudeau Liberals: More Than 250 Canadian Scientists Demand Site C Be Stopped

    Liberal To Apologize For Calling Cops On Mom Protesting Cuts To Autism Therapy

    Liberal To Apologize For Calling Cops On Mom Protesting Cuts To Autism Therapy
    Wynne will meet later today with MPP Bob Delaney, but says she told him on the phone to apologize to Melanie Palaypayon.

    Liberal To Apologize For Calling Cops On Mom Protesting Cuts To Autism Therapy

    Matthew De Grood Just One Of Many Ncr Cases Across Canada

      Some high-profile cases in which there was a finding of not criminally responsible or such a finding was sought:

    Matthew De Grood Just One Of Many Ncr Cases Across Canada

    Bibeau Announces Additional $331.5 Million In Humanitarian Aid At Turkey Summit

    Bibeau Announces Additional $331.5 Million In Humanitarian Aid At Turkey Summit
    Bibeau says in a statement Tuesday that the new funding will help the most vulnerable in more than 32 countries.

    Bibeau Announces Additional $331.5 Million In Humanitarian Aid At Turkey Summit