The Asian Punjabi Folk Dance Club

The Asian Punjabi Folk Dance Club will visit Trinidad and Tobago over the next week as part of ongoing cultural exchange initiatives with India. The club was formed by Shri Ashwani Kumar Sharma who is dedicated to and is passionate about the Punjabi dance forms, particularly ‘Bhangra’. The visit of the group will be the first of its kind to the Caribbean region, and performances will be held at Daaga Hall on Friday 2nd December 2016 at 6.30pm and at the Divali Nagar on Saturday 3rd December at 6.00pm. For tickets and further information, please call 225-4023 ext 4030.

A workshop will also be held on Tuesday 29th November 2016 in order to facilitate sharing and knowledge transfer in an environment of creative freedom and cultural harmony. If you are interested in participating in this free workshop, please call 225-4023 ext 4030 to book your spot.

ABOUT THE ASIAN PUNJABI DANCE CLUB

The Asian Punjabi Folk Dance Club is a registered dance group comprising of 41 male and female members, and is empaneled by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations. Along with promoting cultural entrepreneurship, the aim of the group is to safeguard the timeless heritage of Punjab.

The club was formed by Shri Ashwani Kumar Sharma who is dedicated to and is passionate about the Punjabi dance forms, particularly ‘Bhangra’. Shri Sharma has been teaching Bhangra and other folk dances for many years and is experienced in teaching all age groups. As the choreographer for the ensemble, Shri Sharma ensures the transfer of knowledge to other artists in Punjabi culture particularly the dance styles of Jhumar, Jindua, Giddha, Malwai Giddha and the harvest dance, Kirti di Kuli.

The club members are specialized in:

Bhangra which was initially used as a celebratory folk dance which heralded the coming of spring, or Vaisakhi, as it is known. The lyrics sung with the beat of a ‘Dhol’ relate to social or cultural issues. Bhangra seeks to offer a message along with its music and dance.

Folk Orchestra (includes traditional instruments like Tumbi, Algoza, Dhadd, Flute, Bagdu, Chimta, Been, Dhol etc.)

Jhumar (It is a living demonstration of the happiness. This form includes emotional and  love songs and dance is performed in swaying motion)

Jindua (Jindua literally means “My Life”. The lover and beloved address each other as ‘Jindua’ and exchange notes about the ways of the world.)

Giddha (On any joyous occasion in the family women form a semi-circle clapping, singing and dancing, while two of these advance in front and sing and dance on tune of the song called ‘Boliyan’)

Malwai Giddha (traditionally performed by middle aged or older male dancers)

Folk songs (based on lives of characters like Mirza, Heer, Jagga etc.)

Harvesting Dance “Kirti Di Kuli” (The song and dance represents the hard life of a small farmer)

Jawabi Chaallan (Two teams participate and engage in banter by dancing.)

Luddi (This dance is performed to celebrate victory in any field)

Summi (The dancers stand in a ring and swing their hands bringing them up from the sides, right in front.)