Dance is Good For Our Body and Mind

It’s actually science. Here is an article explaining ‘the Science of Why Dancing Makes us Happy”

Gurdeep Pandher of the Yukon has gone viral many times, spreading joy, exercise and positivity through his Bhangra dancing. He has been featured on his social media account, in different places across Canada and in many news features worldwide. He is especially noted for posting his dances and messages during the pandemic. Have you ever seen Gurdeep? He is a proud Canadian. Check out his website.

Here is Gurdeep’s story:

Bringing communities and cultures together through Bhangra

Here are a few clips. Notice how he celebrates many Canadian cultures, people and traditions and expresses joy.

What do you notice and how do you feel when you watch him dance and interact with others? How does dancing bring others together?

Guess what?

The students at Brentwood Park are going to learn the art and joy of Bhangra dancing also this month.

Our instructor is Ericka Virk Dhindsa. She is the founder of Dance with Filme Academy and a Bhangra Dance instructor with more than 15 years of experience. Dance Filme provides students with a platform to showcase the magic of Bollywood Cinema and the art of Punjabi culture. https://dancewithfilme.com/thearmy

@erickavirkdhindsa 36 weeks #pregnant #gidha #gidhalover #india #canada #gidhamerijaan #fyp #foryoupage #ammyvirk #punjabisuit ♬ original sound – Ericka Virk Dhindsa

This is an honour and a privilege for us at Brentwood Park. It is the hope that while learning the dance of Bhangra we not only enrich our bodies and minds but we learn the role that dance has, and has had, for many people in different ways.

Let’s learn more in preparation for Erika’s teaching.

The History of Bhangra:

Bhangra is a traditional folk dance from the state of Punjab in India.

Even our Prime Minister does Bhangra.

Things to Discuss as a class:

How do we show respect for something new we are learning?
Why is cultural dancing important? Do you know your tradition dancing of your culture?
When learning something new what are some things we should keep in mind?

Dances From Around the World

Indigenous Dance and Preserving Culture

Matoska Baker-Peters, 7, performs a solo fancy men’s dance inspired by the wild movements of the mustang. (Rafferty Baker/CBC)

The Potlach (Patshaltl –Chinook) is an important gift giving feast practiced by Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. The ceremony values and celebrates governance, culture and spirit. It is a very important ceremony, and historically it held great significance for maintaining hierarchies, names, groups and clan status and rank among individuals. It was commonly held on the occasion of important social events. A potlach might last for several days and involve feasting, spirit dances, singing and theatre. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/potlatch

A photo taken in 1914 by Edward Curtis of a Kwakwaka’wakw potlatch ceremony. The potlatch was outlawed in Canada for decades, and some Indigenous leaders and activists say the ban’s effects are still felt today. (Edward Curtis/Historica Canada)

Did you know that the Canadian government banned the potlach ceremony from 1885 to 1951. This had an effect on how Indigenous People self-governed, celebrated and lived their lives and traditions. The government wished for all peoples of Canada to be governed under one structure. Some had to hide or have the ceremony in secret. Some were caught and punished.
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/potlatch-to-give-feature

Since this time many Indigenous People have worked hard to preserve dance, culture and language that were suppressed for almost 70 years. Margaret Grenier, director of the Coastal First Nations Dance Festival has worked hard to pass the culture of Indigenous dance on to a younger generation.
Read more here…

“Even though we had the knowledge, there weren’t a lot of people who had a chance to experience it, so it was a lot of work that took place to bring back dances and begin to create the regalia once again.”

Book Recommendation: Secret of the Dance–Andrea Spalding
available at our Brentwood Park library and here at GetEpic

Dancing Over the Years

Dancing evolves over time and movies, trends and music styles have influenced many dance styles. Watch The Evolution of Dance.

What do you notice as time has passed?
What is your favourite dance move?
Did you have any memories watching this? Ask an adult? Ask each other?
Is there anything you would you like to try?

Books about Dance: Check out our display of dance books in the library.–Coming Soon