Bhangra Bliss: Central Library dances to the heartbeat of Punjab
Stories in Motion in full swing with monthly cultural dance sessions
Under the grand arches of the Central Library's welcome gallery, a lively morning unfolded on Saturday, January 27, during the second installment of Stories in Motion. It was a rhythmic exploration into the soulful world of Bhangra, guided by the spirited Chetanvir Sadioura — an ambassador of joy and culture through dance.
Hundreds of eager participants gathered for Bhangra, a folk dance rooted in the agricultural traditions of Northern India, unfolded with the spirited energy of participants echoing the rhythms of the harvest season. The session explored two sub-styles within Bhangra called Jhoomar and Luddi.
Chetanvir Sadioura, a law graduate from the University of Leicester, UK, and currently pursuing a legal career in Alberta, brought more than just dance moves to the event.
He shared the cultural context behind Bhangra, explaining that Bhangra is not just a dance; it's a celebration of life, of the land, and the spirit of community. Each step tells a story, and we're all part of that narrative.
Sadioura, a head coach and choreographer at Calgary's local Bhangra troupe, Dhamak Punjab Di emphasized intricacies behind each movement and what it meant in relation to its agricultural history.
Wearing a traditional chadra (wrap) and chaggi (vest), Sadioura painted a visual picture of crops blowing in the wind and inspired participants to sway their arms in a similar fashion. This movement called 'faslaan' in Punjabi translates to 'crops' in English.
"Imagine you were a peacock walking gracefully," Sadioura encouraged attendees to emulate the bird's elegance by placing feet in a poised form while gesturing a crown with your hand above your head.
Sadioura and his assistant instructors energized the crowd, reminding them to smile, and to feel the music. He felt it was one of the key takeaways of the day. The energy was inevitably contagious and quickly spread throughout the library, as more heads peeked to watch from different floors.
As the event concluded, the Central Library echoed with laughter, rhythmic footwork, and a sense of shared cultural storytelling. The "Stories in Motion" event, with its focus on Bhangra, not only showcased the dynamism of the dance but became a vibrant chapter in the ongoing story of cultural appreciation and exchange. The participants left with more than just dance steps; they carried with them the resonance of stories told through movement, imprinted on their hearts as a testament to the enduring power of cultural expression.
Next in the series is a rhythmic Soca dance workshop with Simeon Peters. It will be an opportunity to learn about Afro-Trinidadian folklore and bust some moves with a professional dancer.
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