Bhangra is a lively folk dance which originated in India. It is a celebratory dance and in its earliest form it was performed to welcome the coming of spring. With its colourful music, lively steps, and upbeat tempo, Bhangra is a pleasure to watch and a joy to dance.
Traditional Bhangra is danced in a circle using time honoured steps which are performed to the beat of the Indian drum known as a dhol. Free form Bhangra developed during stage presentations incorporating traditional Bhangra moves with sequences from other Punjabi dances. When performed on stage, the dancers wear elaborate costumes while performing complex series of highly choreographed steps and movements.
Dancing can be a fun and rewarding activity that is good for the body, mind, and spirit. With its playful and energetic movements, complex group choreography, and deep rooted tradition, Bhangra is more than just a dance. Anyone can learn Bhangra and enjoy the benefits from this wholesome activity. Some of these benefits can be quite surprising.
Get Fit
With a lively beat and animated movements it's no surprise that dancing Bhangra is great exercise. It's an amazing workout combining strength training with incredible cardio. Practising those Bhangra moves is an enjoyable way to shed pounds, strengthen muscles, and get fit. Best of all, it's actually fun to do so you're more likely to keep doing it.
Meet New People
Bhangra is a social dance often involving a group of people working towards a common goal. That makes it the perfect setting for meeting different people and building new friendships. A Bhangra class is a great place to find like minded people and the love of Bhangra is an excellent interest that you already have in common.
Cultural Identity and Tradition
Many dance styles are rooted in ancient customs and Bhangra is no exception. It is a folk dance with a strong tradition and rich history. This lively and upbeat dance is a beautiful celebration of culture. Whether you're discovering and celebrating your own cultural identity, or learning about the society of others, Bhangra is a wonderful way to get in the spirit of a beautiful culture.
Learn Choreography
Perhaps it is not surprising that Bhangra is a choreographed dance but it is interesting to know the benefits of learning choreography. Practising sequences of dance moves requires the mind and body to work together while improving abilities involving memory and skill retention. Learning choreography as a group is a positive team building exercise and a structured way to have fun.
Improve Balance and Coordination
Bhangra involves complex movements from head to toe and all the way out to your fingertips. As a beginner you may be starting out slowly to build your skills and train your body to work a certain way, but you will be learning the more complex moves in no time. Working all those body parts in unison requires a good deal of coordination and the more advanced steps involve balance and timing.
Gain Confidence
There is something freeing about letting go and submersing oneself in dance. The fluid movements, the supportive environment, and the joy of music allow individuals to break out of their shell and soar. This breakdown of inhibitions opens doors to new experiences and previously untapped potential. Trying new things and accomplishing goals does a world of good for confidence and self esteem.
Have Fun
Some dances require intensity, strength, and a serious character, while others need an enthusiastic, energetic, and happy attitude. Bhangra is the latter and it's impossible not to have fun with the joyful movements and upbeat rhythm. This social dance is so cheerful and celebratory that it's bound to put a smile on your face.
There are so many benefits to learning Bhangra. Some are to be expected and others can be rather surprising. Why not discover the joy of Bhangra for yourself? Sign up for a class today!
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