Bhangra- The Age-Old Punjabi Art Form Offered As Indian Dance Lessons

India known for its rich art and culture takes pride in offering the world with its colourful dance genres, one of which is Bhangra. Originating in Punjab, Bhangra is one of the manifold folk dance forms reigning over the art and culture of the country. With its growing popularity, Bhangra has now become a part of mainstream dance. So, what makes Bhangra different from other Indian dance forms. Before going into the details, we will like to give you a brief description of how this particular genre has evolved.

History

Bhangra is known to have evolved centuries back. Some say, that it arrived during the 14th or 15th century. Punjabis embraced this dance culture to celebrate Vaisakhi, their festival denoting new harvest. With time however, Bhangra was celebrated in various other Punjabi occasions which included festivals and weddings. The dance genre involves the playing of a special instrument called the "dhol".

With its widespread popularity Bhangra is practiced as an Indian dance form throughout India. Interestingly, its popularity has allowed Bhangra to become a part of world dance culture. Its prominently practiced everywhere.

Know more about Bhangra

Bhangra is a colourful dance culture and so are its costumes. The Punjabi dance form involves bright and bold coloured costumes symbolizing vigour. The dance genre is energetic entailing the performers to indulge into several different movements due to which they are required wearing dresses that allow free movement. In short, the costumes which are worn during Bhangra feature loose fittings. As a result, the clothing allows free movement.

Also, the bright clothing reflects a few things in life- joyousness and vigour. These are the two most important aspects, taken on a serious note by Bhangra dancers. So, if you have ever wondered why Bhangra performers wear colourful and loosely fitted dresses, here is the truth. The dance form introduces colour and robustness to stage.

The shades mostly found in Bhangra costumes showcase streaks of yellow, green and saffron or red. Each shade symbolises different aspects conce ing Punjabi culture and the celebration of Vaisakhi. While yellow reflects mustard, green symbolizes prosperity and red stands as a symbol for auspiciousness.

During Indian dance lessons Bhangra performers in Brisbane have a dress code to maintain. Male dancers will wear colourful turbans. The colourful turban will represent pride and honour. This apart, women are mostly seen wearing long and flowing dresses accompanying finest jewellery reflecting elegance.

Dresses worn by bhangra performers

Bhangra performers are categorised by their sex. The male performers will wear the Pag which is the turban, Turla a special ado ment fitted with the turban which has the appearance of a fan, the kaintha or the necklace, a kurta, tehmat which is a cloth tied from around the waist, jugi, which is a waistcoat with no buttons and the rammal or the scrave worn around the fingers.

The women performing at Punjabi classes in Brisbaneon the other hand wear dupatta, a kameez, salwar, tikka which is a piece of jewellery ado ed on the forehead, parranda or tassels ado ed in braids, jhumkas or danglers, haar hamela or the golden necklace, baazu band or a cloth ado ed around upper arms and anklets.

This is how colourful Bhangra stands out to be. In nutshell, the dance form is embraced everywhere for its vigorous moves and colourful costumes.