Bhangra (meaning “intoxicated with joy”) is a traditional style of dance hailing from the Punjab region of India. Although traditionally a male-dominated style of dance, modern Bhangra dancers of today include both men and women who preserve the dance’s original symbolism and meaning. Many of the energetic and vibrant movements represent Punjabi culture and landscapes. One such move, faslaan, embodies the wave of Punjabi wheat fields dancing in the breeze. While wheat fields in Punjab are many miles away, UIUC students competing for Illini Bhangra celebrate this fascinating tradition locally.
Originating in 2006, Illini Bhangra is a relatively recent team to emerge in the United States collegiate Bhangra scene. Former captain Alif Laila Tisha said the team’s goal for this competitive season was to increase their presence at the high competitive level here in the US. They specifically focused their 2017 season to improve technique and form. In doing so, Illini Bhangra has claimed 2 national first-place titles at the Nachde Nashville at Vanderbilt University and at the first Crossroads of Bhangra Competition this past weekend at Purdue University.
The team’s recent successes have stemmed from long hours practicing, often late into the night. Although schoolwork is the priority of all team members, the dancers spend anywhere from 9 to 12 hours per week practicing. A typical practice includes warm-up, technical training and synchronization, choreography practice, and stamina training for endurance during routines.
Local students and C-U community members are invited to become “intoxicated with joy” while watching Illini Bhangra perform their last show of the successful 2017 season this Saturday, April 15 at 7pm at Foellinger Auditorium. The team will be opening for UIUC’s annual India Night, joined by other cultural performances celebrating the music and dance of India. Tickets are $15 and doors open at 6:30.
Here is their award-winning performance at Nachde Nashville.
To catch up with the team on Facebook, click here.
Above photo credit: Blake Dover
Bottom two photo credit: Tom Crockett.
Special thanks to Alif Laila Tisha for sitting down with me and sharing her insight and knowledge about Bhangra.