Studies show that dance and music programs offer children and youth many benefits such as exercise, build confidence, and develop strong social skills. Through participating in dance and music at Royal Academy of Bhangra, they create strong ties to their Punjabi heritage and culture. These vital connections help students develop a strong sense of identity and understanding that creates a strong foundation for their future.
Through years of dedication, discipline and hard work, students take on meaningful leadership roles by programming and developing dance routines and mentoring the younger students. They also participate in events to showcase their strong artistic abilities.
Bhangra (Beginners), Ages 5-8
Bhangra (Beginners) is a Punjabi folk dance class for children between ages 5 and 8. It is a qualified program developed by Hardeep Singh Sahota, General Manager and Artistic Director, for the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA).
In this program, participants will learn:
- Basic folk dances of Punjab
- Introduction to rhythms and simple body movements
Bhangra (Intermediate), Ages 8-12
Bhangra (Intermediate) is a Punjabi folk dance class for children between ages 8 and 12. It is a qualified program developed by Hardeep Singh Sahota, General Manager and Artistic Director, for the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA).
In this program, participants will learn:
- Faster motion and minor acrobatics
- Energetic movements incorporating jumps
- Greater complexity of choreographed movements
Bhangra (Advanced), Ages 12-16
Bhangra (Advanced) is a Punjabi folk dance class for youth between ages 12 and 16. It is a qualified program developed by Hardeep Singh Sahota, General Manager and Artistic Director, for the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA).
In this program, participants will learn:
- Skill of performance in grace
- Power of movements
- Incorporation of rhythmic instruments
- Expression of folk song lyrics and themes
Bhangra (Professional), Ages 16-20
Bhangra (Professional) is a Punjabi folk dance class for youth and young adults between ages 16 and 20. It is a qualified program developed by Hardeep Singh Sahota, General Manager and Artistic Director, for the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA).
In this program, participants will learn:
- More in-depth exploration of the folk dance forms of Bhangra, Giddha, Jhumar, Sammi, Luddi, Malwai Giddha, Kikli, and Gatka
- Punjabi folklore associated with Punjabi Folk Art
- Choreography
- Collaborations with other dance forms and genre
- Greater exploration of rhythmic instruments
Dhol (Beginners), Ages 6-10
The Punjabi Dhol dates back to the 15th century and is a cultural icon of the Punjabi’s. The Dhol is a key identifier of Punjabi culture and heritage. This two-sided drum is played with 2 wooden sticks called the dagga (bass side) and the tihli (higher notes).
The Royal Academy of Bhangra offers Beginner and Intermediate classes for Dhol. These classes will introduce the sounds, beats and rhythms of Folk Punjabi Bhangra, along with the stories and folklore associated with the music. Each class meets twice a week.
Dhol (Intermediate), Ages 11-15
The Punjabi Dhol dates back to the 15th century and is a cultural icon of the Punjabi’s. The Dhol is a key identifier of Punjabi culture and heritage. This two-sided drum is played with 2 wooden sticks called the dagga (bass side) and the tihli (higher notes).
The Royal Academy of Bhangra offers Beginner and Intermediate classes for Dhol. These classes will introduce the sounds, beats and rhythms of Folk Punjabi Bhangra, along with the stories and folklore associated with the music. Each class meets twice a week.
Giddha (Beginners), Ages 5-8
Giddha is a popular folk dance of Punjabi women. It is a lively and interactive dance form, that is full of dynamic energy and grace. The Punjabi women generally perform this dance at all special occasions and festivities. This dance form is accompanied by clapping, thumping of feet, instruments and singing of traditional folk songs. Each class meets twice a week.
In the beginner class, you will learn:
- Basic movements from clapping, double clapping, feet movements
- Short boliyaan (folk songs)
Giddha (Intermediate), Ages 9-12
Giddha is a popular folk dance of Punjabi women. It is a lively and interactive dance form, that is full of dynamic energy and grace. The Punjabi women generally perform this dance at all special occasions and festivities. This dance form is accompanied by clapping, thumping of feet, instruments and singing of traditional folk songs. Each class meets twice a week.
In the intermediate class, you will learn:
- Movements from clapping, double clapping, feet movements
- Short boliyaan (folk songs)
Giddha (Advanced), Ages 13-16
Giddha is a popular folk dance of Punjabi women. It is a lively and interactive dance form, that is full of dynamic energy and grace. The Punjabi women generally perform this dance at all special occasions and festivities. This dance form is accompanied by clapping, thumping of feet, instruments and singing of traditional folk songs. Each class meets twice a week.
In the advanced class, you will learn:
- More complex body movements and expression
- Long boliyaan
- Focusing on graceful movements and incorporating instruments and props
