Feel the exhilaration and joy of Bhangra with the return of our series, Global Moves, where we explore the world through movement and dance!
During this live hour experience, you’ll discover the cultural roots of dances from around the globe and uncover the meaning behind the moves. Rather than just sitting down and watching a performance, you’re invited to get up and learn the dance yourself. During a crash course tutorial, your host will break down a short sequence of steps that you can use in the grand finale group performance!
In this Global Moves experience, we’ll be learning about Bhangra, a traditional Punjabi dance that was developed by Sikh farmers in Punjab, a region located in South Asia near Kashmir. Our teacher is Gurdeep Pandher, a Bhangra artist and educator based in Yukon. Gurdeep has danced in negative temperatures, on frozen lakes, and in the lush forests of Canada to create inspiring dance videos that share the joy of Bhangra.
We'll kick off this experience with a discussion of the history of Bhangra and its cultural significance, then, it's time to get up and move! Gurdeep will lead a step-by-step tutorial of basic moves that we'll put to upbeat Bhangra music and perform together.
If you would like to participate in the dance portion of this experience, please note that Bhangra requires a high energy level and offers an intense workout! Here's how you can get the most out of the dance demonstration:
- Workout or running shoes should be worn or bare feet if your location allows
- Fitness or workout clothes work best for dancing Bhangra
- You should have a water bottle nearby, as dancing Bhangra is a complete workout
- Pandher does not recommend eating a heavy meal for up to two hours before the class, as Bhangra dance involves continuously hopping. If you must eat before the class, light snacks are suggested
- We recommend that you keep your camera on while participating. Turning on your web camera creates a more engaging session and helps participants stay focused and motivated.
Gurdeep Pandher is a Yukon based, Bhangra artist and educator. He creates performance pieces that bring together people from all backgrounds while promoting inclusivity. Currently, he is best known for bringing joy, hope and positivity during the pandemic through his online dance classes and videos. The dance performances and videos are watched by millions of viewers throughout the world. Gurdeep’s works have been published by many international art and media organizations including BBC News, CBC National, The Globe and Mail, NBC, etc. Gurdeep was also named “This week’s Greatest Canadian” by Global News Radio! Gurdeep’s sessions are a good workout and a happy way to introduce physical activity. For more information, please visit Gurdeep.ca
Access to this online experience is free for Atlas Obscura Members. Unlock more wonder by becoming a member today!
Once registered, you can access the Zoom room for this experience through your confirmation email or Eventbrite account. Atlas Obscura online experiences are recommended for attendees age 13+.
This online experience will be recorded. A temporary link to the recording will be provided in a follow-up email to all ticket holders within 72 hours after the event. Access to this recording will be available for seven days.
We provide closed captioning for all of our online Member Experiences, as well as transcripts upon request. Please reach out to us at membership@atlasobscura.com if you have any questions, requests, or access needs.
This event is one of Atlas Obscura’s Membership Experiences. At Atlas Obscura, our mission has always been to inspire wonder and curiosity about the incredible world we all share. Now, more than ever, there’s a need to stay connected—not only to our sense of wonder, but to each other.
We encourage you to follow and share the hashtag #AOExperiences for more incredible online experiences and courses with Atlas Obscura and our friends. And check out AtlasObscura.com, the definitive guide to the world’s hidden wonders, to keep virtually exploring the world through the website’s atlas of amazing places, unique stories, and videos.
