BHANGRA

History

This form of dance has its roots in North west India in the region of Punjab.

Bhangra began as a dance to celebrate the harvest . The festival of Baisakhi, family occasions and get togethers are occasions for a Bhangra performance. This dance form however is never performed for religious purposes.


Characteristics

1.	This is the most popular style of social dance due to its dance beat of the drums or "dhol".
2.	This form of dance involves vigorous movements of the shoulder and hips. The beat is heavy and hypnotic.
3.	The dancers often form a circle with pairs of dancers periodically taking centrestage to give sole performances.
4.	The female version of Bhangra is known as Gidha.
5.	Colourful clothes comprised of the flowing turban, lungi and long kurtas and waist coats make this a very attractive dance to watch.
6.	The "dhol" or drums provide accompaniment to the movements.