From the rhythmic bang of dhols in the background to the lively skips and hops of our instructors, many elements of BollyX classes embody the infectious energy ofBhangra. Bhangra is derived from traditional forms of Punjabi folk dance often characterized by powerful bass and treble sounds, high-energy choreography, and joyous lyrics. Historians estimate that around the 14th or 15th century, Punjabi farmers would dance and sing songs about village life to pass time while working in the fields, eventually using the dances to celebrate good harvests during a festival called Baisakhi. The dance was performed exclusively by men, accompanied by folk instruments such as the tumbi (a single-string plucking instrument), the dholak (a small barrel-shaped drum), and the sarangi (a bowed musical instrument with up to thirty-five strings).
In the 1980’s, however, the music and dance styles of Indian folk music became revolutionized as young Punjabi singers gained massive popularity in England. Drawing upon rock music, many artists infused British music with Punjabi folk tunes. This era is often regarded as “the golden age of Bhangra”, representing a rebellious and innovative spirit among British-Asian youths. As Punjabi music gained popularity in the U.S. during the 1990’s, DJ’s became an instrumental piece in the evolution of Bhangra. Artists such as Bally Sagoo and Panjabi MC mixed hip-hop samples with folk instruments and vocals, giving rise to the “folkhop” genre that many associate with Bhangra today.
Indian American youth continued to drive the Bhangra movement throughout the late 90’s and early 2000’s, banding together Bhangra teams on college campuses. These teams were known for pushing the envelope through risky stunts, complex formations, and culturally eclectic music. Bringing Bhangra to a university setting also made the dance more accessible to women and non-Indians, and today many people enjoy Bhangra regardless of gender or race. Today, Bhangra continues to evolve and gain popularity, but no matter how much the genre changes, it maintains its upbeat nature and celebration of its Punjabi folk roots. Like BollyX, Bhangra represents a fusion of the East and West, bringing together an invigorating blend of music and energy that anyone can enjoy.
About the Author: Hi all! My name is Anumita Das and I am a junior at Boston College studying marketing and communications. During the summer of 2016, I began my first marketing internship at BollyX. As I participated in South Asian student associations throughout high school and college, I was excited to fuse my culture with both fitness and my passion for business. My favorite part of BollyX is the infectious energy of its community, and whether I’m writing blog posts or dancing in a class, I always try to embody the positivity and enthusiasm that I see in my fellow rockstars every day!