| DANCE DEPARTMENT |
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Bhangra Aerobics Bhangra is a very lively form of folk music and dance that originated in the Punjab region of India. While Bhangra began as a part of harvest festival celebrations, it eventually became a part of such diverse occasions as weddings and New Year celebrations. During the last thirty years, Bhangra has surged in popularity worldwide, both in a traditional form and as a fusion with genres such as hip-hop, house, and reggae. |
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Raakhi Sinha has been dancing her whole life. Having completed her Bharatnatyam Arengetram (graduation) in 1998, she has done many local classical solo performances. Her classical exposure also extends to Kathak, which she is currently training in and plans to complete in the coming years. Raakhi's Bhangra experience is in line with Gurpreet's, as they are on the same internationally competitive Bhangra team, VIBE. She also has about 15 years of experience in Garba, which is the traditional folk dance of Gujarat. Raakhi has competed nationally on very successful teams, both as a Garba dancer and a choreographer. An accomplished pianist and harmonium player, Raakhi would like to share the vast talents of India with kids of all ages. Raakhi is the Programs Director at South Asian Arts and teaches ladies fitness, Bhangra, as well as private piano and harmonium classes. Never been to a Bhangra Aerobics class? Visit Kitsilano Workout for a free trial class! Be prepared for a hard workout! |




Gurpreet Sian began playing dhol/dholki over 10 years ago and has been teaching group and private lessons for the last 5. Having a passion for the South Asian arts, he has participated in international Bhangra competitions with the award winning VIBE dance team and locally with the traditional group PAAR Club. He also plays Dhol for the hit pop bhangra group Signia, as well as with a local brass band called Surya Brass Band. Gurpreet has also danced in many music videos and movies, as well as taught Bhangra workshops to adults and kids during festival times throughout the lower mainland. Gopi, as he is commonly known, has always taken active interest in the community through his positive influence on South Asian kids. From the hit show "Punjabi Vibes", the trio of hosts, Gopi being one of them, often focus on pressing youth issues. South Asian Arts is his way of providing structure to a passion he can share with the next generation. Gurpreet teaches Bhangra and Dhol classes.
Raakhi Sinha has been dancing her whole life. Having completed her Bharatnatyam Arengetram (graduation) in 1998, she has done many local classical solo performances. Her classical exposure also extends to Kathak, which she is currently training in and plans to complete in the coming years. Raakhi's Bhangra experience is in line with Gurpreet's, as they are on the same internationally competitive Bhangra team, VIBE. She also has about 15 years of experience in Garba, which is the traditional folk dance of Gujarat. Raakhi has competed nationally on very successful teams, both as a Garba dancer and a choreographer. An accomplished pianist and harmonium player, Raakhi would like to share the vast talents of India with kids of all ages. Raakhi is the Programs Director at South Asian Arts and teaches ladies fitness, Bhangra, as well as private piano and harmonium classes.