The group that performed alongside Diljit Dosanjh at his Dil-Luminati Tour—VanCity Dance—is turning up the volume on tradition with high-energy Bhangra and Dhol classes across the Lower Mainland. DARPAN had a chance to talk to the team and learn more about their club, community, and future plans.
Q: Tell us about the beginnings of VanCity Dance. What inspired you to start offering Bhangra and Dhol classes in the Lower Mainland?
A: VanCity Bhangra started in 2012 as a competitive Bhangra team. It began with a group of friends who shared a passion for Bhangra and competed around the world, winning numerous awards. What inspired us to start a dance school was our desire to continue our legacy. We wanted to give back to our community, share our culture, and continue competing at the highest level.
Q: What sets VanCity Dance apart from other dance schools when it comes to teaching Bhangra and Dhol?
A: We take pride in being a youth-led organization that brings a unique blend of educational expertise, cultural authenticity, and innovation to our instruction. Many of our instructors are not only passionate performers but also trained high school and elementary school teachers who understand how to work with learners of all ages and developmental stages. With professional backgrounds in education, our team excels at differentiating lessons to meet the needs of diverse learners, ensuring every student feels supported and challenged. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to both traditional and modern approaches to Bhangra. We nurture growth, connection, and cultural pride through an inclusive and forward-thinking approach to Punjabi folk arts.
Q: You offer Kids Bhangra, Adult Bhangra Giddha, and Dhol classes. How do you tailor your teaching approach for different age groups and skill levels?
A: We recognize that every dancer learns differently, especially across age groups and skill levels. Some strategies we bring to our dance instruction include differentiated learning, positive behavior support, and age-appropriate lesson planning. For younger dancers, we focus on building foundational skills through fun, movement-based learning that encourages confidence and coordination. For teens and adults, we increase complexity, technique, and cultural context to match their developmental readiness and goals.
Q: Share a bit about the team behind VanCity Dance.
A: VanCity Dance has over 20 instructors and coaches. The founders—Kabeer Panesar, Karan Virdi, Jaskamal Grewal, and Rajan Nijjar—have built an academy that now includes over 200 members, with more than 50 competitive dancers who actively participate in competitions. Each team member contributes unique strengths to the academy. Their diverse perspectives help us create a vibrant and inclusive environment where everyone can grow through dance.
Q: How do you see Bhangra and Dhol contributing to cultural connection and community building here in Vancouver?
A: Bhangra and Dhol contribute to our local community in many meaningful ways. They help bring together people from diverse backgrounds by inviting them into our classes and allowing them to learn about Punjabi culture. At the same time, they play a vital role in teaching our youth about their heritage and helping them connect with Punjabi cultural values.
Q: What has been one of the most memorable moments for VanCity Dance so far?
A: We’ve had countless memorable moments over the years, making it difficult to choose just a few. Performing alongside Diljit Dosanjh during his Dil-Luminati Tour, with 60 of our competitive dancers sharing the stage with him, was a performance we will never forget. Moving into our new, spacious studio in September of 2023 and sharing the stage with Jazzy B, Chani Nattan, and Inderpal Moga at the JUNO Awards was another highlight that is close to our hearts.
Q: Are there any exciting new programs, workshops, or expansion plans on the horizon for VanCity Dance?
A: We are always creating new programs and adding different types of classes to our schedule. We are planning to expand into Vancouver with a new studio sometime this year.
Q: How do you see the younger generation shaping the future of Bhangra and Dhol in Canada?
A: We believe the younger generation will play a major role in shaping the future of Bhangra and Dhol. Our youth are full of energy and fresh ideas, and giving them opportunities to learn and grow is essential. By investing in their development, we can help them become future leaders who will keep Punjabi culture strong and vibrant within our local communities.
Q: If someone wants to join VanCity Dance, what’s the best way to get started?
A: There are several ways to get started with VanCity Dance. You can reach out to us on social media via Instagram @vancitybhangra, call or text us directly at 778-565-8020, or send an email to info@vancitydance.com. To get started, simply contact us and speak with one of our instructors to find out which class would be the best fit for you. We’ll then schedule you for a free trial lesson so you can experience the class and decide if it’s the right fit or if you’d like to try another option.
VanCity Dance is more than just a dance academy—it’s a thriving hub of culture, creativity, and community. Through every beat and step, they continue to celebrate and preserve Punjabi heritage in Canada.
