BHANGRA
INDIAN FOLK DANCE
SWAPNIL
SEP 2024 - JAN 2025
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What is Bhangra?
Bhangra is a high-energy folk dance that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally performed in a circle by farmers to celebrate a bountiful harvest, Bhangra has evolved into a popular dance form known for its vibrant rhythms and energetic movements.You may have witnessed the captivating Bhangra performances on Belgium's Got Talent 2021, at the London Olympics, in iconic Bollywood films, or on exciting television dance shows. Join us at Shoonya Dance Centre in Ghent and experience the infectious joy of Bhangra first hand.
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Level 1
In this class, we will dive into the fundamentals of traditional Bhangra and folk technique. With a focus on specific footwork, hand gestures, and shoulder movements, you'll not only get a great core workout but also find a complete release from stress. Each session will culminate in an exciting choreographed routine that we will refine and build upon throughout the semester.
New students are welcome to join this group. After completing 2 semesters students can go to the level 2/3 class.Level 1
WEDNESDAY 18:30 - 19:30
Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
€156/ €138 for students (-25j)
13 sessionsLanguage: NL/EN
Age group: 12+ -
Level 2/3
To participate in this class, it is required to have a basic understanding of Bhangra movements, including the fundamental footwork of Jhoomar, Dhamaal, and Bedi from the folk technique, as well as moves like Pataka, Fast Jhoomar, Dhamaal Snaps, and Round Bedi.
Level 2/3
WEDNESDAY 19:30 - 20:30
Studio Aakash (2nd floor)
€156/ €138 for students (-25j)
13 sessionsLanguage: NL/EN
Age Group: 12+
SWAPNIL DAGLIYA
Swapnil hails from India, born and raised in Pune, not far from Mumbai, the Bollywood city of India. Since his birth, he has been immersed in the music and dance of the Bollywood (Indian film dance) world. He uses his experience in ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary dance to make Indian dance more accessible to people outside of India.
Swapnil Dagliya, artistic director and co-founder of Shoonya Dance Centre, graduated from the prestigious Broadway Dance Center in New York, specializing in ballet, modern jazz, contemporary, and other dance forms. He furthered his training at Opus Ballet in Florence, Italy, where he honed his skills under the guidance of experienced instructors and collaborated with renowned artists. His professional experience also includes running his own dance school, SPACE (Swapnil's Performing Arts & Contemporary Ensemble), from 2008 to 2018. During this time, he served as the director and curator of AVAYAVA, a contemporary dance festival in India since 2012. For many years, he taught dance and theory at two universities in India (Lalit Kala Kendra - University of Pune and Flame University).
Swapnil's passion for yoga began in his childhood. He completed his yoga teacher training in 2011 in Pune, India. His grandmother, who learned yoga directly from B.K.S Iyengar, imparted her knowledge to Swapnil from an early age, teaching him yoga asanas, yogic philosophy, and mantras. This foundation in yoga has influenced his approach to dance and movement.
In addition to his diverse dance background, Swapnil has also completed an Indian folk dance diploma. He possesses expertise in Indian folk dance, including the vibrant and energetic dance style of Bhangra.
He now conducts regular classes at the Shoonya Dance Centre and has launched an Indian dance company in Ghent called "ABC a Bollywood Company."
