The Art of Bhangra with Hardeep Singh Sahota

Date – Thursday 29 July, 7pm-8pm
Venue: Festival Hub, The Piazza, Princess Alexandra Walk, HD1 2RS
Ticket price: Free (Booking recommended)
Age guidance: 12+ (under 16s should be accompanied by an adult)

Bhangra specialist and author of the book Bhangra: Mystics, Music and Migration, Hardeep Singh Sahota, talks about the art of Bhangra, its history, heritage and evolution, as well as his Bhangra Lexicon art/dance project for the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Bhangra has a multi-layered history and has evolved to be a crucial element in many Panjabi social gatherings. The dance promotes physical, mental and emotional benefits – it is a natural, earthy dance, with warrior rhythms that seduce the dancer and the audience, allowing you to shed your inhibitions. Bhangra today is no longer just a traditional folk music and dance; it has become one of India’s greatest musical exports.

Hardeep Singh Sahota is a Bhangra specialist, author and founder of World Bhangra Day. He is an Affiliate Fellow at the University of Huddersfield in recognition of his research and work with the local community. His most recent project – Bhangra Lexicon at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park – is a multi-media installation delivered in partnership with film-maker Tim Smith.

In this interactive event, Hardeep will talk about Bhangra’s heritage and contemporary influence, demonstrate some Bhangra moves and discuss how Bhangra and art are linked in his book and YSP project.

Copies of Bhangra: Mystics, Music and Migration will be available to purchase at the event.