Do you know what Bhangra dancing is? Bhangra dance is a kind of dance from India. It is a very energetic dance. Bhangra dance comes from a part of India called Punjab.
It has been around for a long time. Some people traced it back to the 1800s. Others say it goes all the way back to the 14th century. It is hard to know for sure. Some people think Bhangra is related to another dance. That dance is called bagaa. It is a Punjab martial dance.
Bhangra started as a folk dance performed by farmers. It was performed while the farmers did their farm chores. This made completing the chores more pleasurable. The farmers also danced to welcome the new harvest season.
Now you might see Bhangra performances at Baisakhi. It is the spring harvest festival. It is usually celebrated on April 13th or 14th every year. You might also see Bhangra performed at weddings too.
A common move is called the dhammal. The dancers raise their arms up. They keep their feet apart. The dancers lift one leg up and hop at the same time. Then they switch to the other side.
Another move is called bedi. The dancers stand with their feet apart. Then they step in with one foot at a time and tap. The resting leg hops lightly. The arms reach out in a big circular motion. The dancers reach out until their hands meet.
Finally, we have the punjab. The dancers lift one leg up. Then they tap it in front of the other leg. Next, the dancers switch legs. They raise their arms and bounce with their movements.
Bhangra dance is very colourful. Bhangra dancers wear beautiful and colourful costumes. These colourful clothes reflect the cheerful times. The dancers dance to drum beats. The drum is called a dhol.
With time, Bhangra has spread to other parts of the world. Today, Bhangra is very popular. People dance Bhangra all around the world. There are Bhangra fitness classes. There's even Bhangra disco!