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Bhangra, a folk dance that celebrates the wheat harvest, is a popular community dance from the villages of Punjab in India. Men traditionally gather in open fields and dance to the beat of the dhol, a two-sided traditional drum. As the tempo increases, the dancers began whirling around, beating their feet, shrugging their shoulders and clapping their hands. It eventually became part of other special events, including weddings and New Year celebrations, and is now seen worldwide, both in traditional form and as a fusion with hip-hop, house and reggae music. Below, Exercise TV instructor Sarina Jain answers some of our questions about Bhangra.What do some of the Bhangra moves symbolize?
Bhangra is closely linked with the ritual importance of the wheat harvest, known as Vaisakhi. It is traditionally during the wheat harvest season that dancers gather around in an open field in answer to the beat of the dhol. The music and the beat of the drum are the life of Bhangra. Farmers are calling out to the beat of the drum and they are celebrating since it is time for their crops to grow. In these workout videos or in class, our students pretend they are calling out to the beat of the drum; they pretend that we are celebrating my wedding and we sweat it out. The other advantage is that these same students or workout video users take these moves that they learn and showcase it at an Indian function such as a wedding or a party!How easy is it for the average person to pick up these dance moves?
It's very easy! The Bhangra workout is for anyone of all ages, for men and women. You just take it at your own pace and have a great workout. People love it!What makes it a great workout? What makes it unique - does it target certain areas better than other exercise?
It is an exercise dance routine that modernizes the high-energy folk dance of Bhangra by blending traditional Bhangra dance steps and the exhilaration of Bollywood movies. This unique dance mixes cardiovascular with fun, and is suitable for participants of all ages and fitness levels. It is a certified fitness program up backed up by the fitness boards.It provides overall toning, body conditioning and can build endurance, stamina and balance. Every move is easy to follow and can be modified to the comfort level of the participant, making it accessible to all fitness levels. Participants get to learn about a new culture while working out. It also targets your entire body, from your arms and your core to your legs. In my culture - we say "Balle! Balle!" which means "woooo hoooooo!"
Bhangra is closely linked with the ritual importance of the wheat harvest, known as Vaisakhi. It is traditionally during the wheat harvest season that dancers gather around in an open field in answer to the beat of the dhol. The music and the beat of the drum are the life of Bhangra. Farmers are calling out to the beat of the drum and they are celebrating since it is time for their crops to grow. In these workout videos or in class, our students pretend they are calling out to the beat of the drum; they pretend that we are celebrating my wedding and we sweat it out. The other advantage is that these same students or workout video users take these moves that they learn and showcase it at an Indian function such as a wedding or a party!How easy is it for the average person to pick up these dance moves?
It's very easy! The Bhangra workout is for anyone of all ages, for men and women. You just take it at your own pace and have a great workout. People love it!What makes it a great workout? What makes it unique - does it target certain areas better than other exercise?
It is an exercise dance routine that modernizes the high-energy folk dance of Bhangra by blending traditional Bhangra dance steps and the exhilaration of Bollywood movies. This unique dance mixes cardiovascular with fun, and is suitable for participants of all ages and fitness levels. It is a certified fitness program up backed up by the fitness boards.It provides overall toning, body conditioning and can build endurance, stamina and balance. Every move is easy to follow and can be modified to the comfort level of the participant, making it accessible to all fitness levels. Participants get to learn about a new culture while working out. It also targets your entire body, from your arms and your core to your legs. In my culture - we say "Balle! Balle!" which means "woooo hoooooo!"
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