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Changing Lives through Bhangra and Giddha

September 20, 2025

Changing Lives through Bhangra and Giddha at the Royal Academy of Punjab

In today’s fast-moving world, it’s easy for culture and tradition to fade into the background. Yet in the heart of Surrey, British Columbia, the Royal Academy of Punjab is keeping Punjabi heritage alive and thriving. Through the vibrant folk dances of Bhangra and Giddha, the Academy is not only preserving culture but also transforming lives—one energetic beat of the dhol at a time.

Celebrating Heritage and Identity

Bhangra and Giddha originated in the fields of Punjab as joyful celebrations of harvest and community. Today, they continue to serve as powerful links between generations. At the Royal Academy of Punjab, these art forms are more than performances; they are a way for youth and families to stay connected to their ancestral roots.

Students learn far more than choreography. They explore the meaning behind Punjabi boliyan (folk lyrics), the history of each movement, and the stories carried through music and dance. This deeper understanding helps young people build a strong sense of cultural pride and identity, even as they grow up in a multicultural Canadian society.

Building Confidence, Strength, and Joy

Dance at the Royal Academy of Punjab is as much about personal growth as it is about culture. Bhangra and Giddha provide a dynamic, full-body workout that improves stamina, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. From young children to adults, dancers experience increased strength and energy with every session.

Equally important is the confidence that blossoms on stage. The Academy offers opportunities for students to perform at festivals, competitions, and community events. Whether it’s a shy child finding their voice or a teen developing leadership skills, the supportive environment encourages every dancer to shine.

Youth-Based Programs

The Royal Academy of Punjab is especially dedicated to youth-based programs that inspire creativity, discipline, and teamwork. Specialized classes for kids and teens provide a structured yet fun environment to learn Bhangra and Giddha, explore Punjabi music, and develop performance skills. These programs help young people gain leadership experience, make new friends, and stay active while celebrating their cultural heritage. Parents love the positive impact on confidence and communication, while youth enjoy being part of a vibrant and welcoming community.

A Hub for Community Connections

The Royal Academy of Punjab is a welcoming space where friendships form and communities grow. Classes and rehearsals bring together people of all ages and backgrounds, creating bonds that go beyond dance. Parents, students, and volunteers often describe the Academy as a second family—a place where culture is celebrated and connections are nurtured.

The Academy’s outreach also extends beyond the Punjabi community. Audiences from diverse cultures are drawn to the infectious rhythms of Bhangra and the graceful storytelling of Giddha. By performing at multicultural events across Canada, the Royal Academy fosters understanding and appreciation between communities, proving that dance speaks a universal language.

Join Today!

Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or a seasoned dancer looking to refine your skills, the Royal Academy of Punjab welcomes you. Discover our youth-based programs and vibrant dance community—register today and start your journey with us!

📞 Call 604-401-67000 to learn more, sign up for classes, or schedule a visit.

A Lasting Legacy

The Royal Academy of Punjab shows that Bhangra and Giddha are more than traditional dances—they are powerful forces for empowerment and connection. Every drumbeat and every clap tells a story of heritage, unity, and joy.

By stepping onto the dance floor, students at the Royal Academy of Punjab honor their past while shaping a vibrant future, where culture and community move together in perfect rhythm.

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COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan
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Royal Academy of Punjab

Covid-19 Health and Safety Plan

Safe Physical Distancing: The dance floor has been marked into safe distance zones whichare at least 2 metres apart or more. Only one person is permitted per marker, and please stayin your marked area.

Hand washing: Please wash your hands or sanitize before your class and after your class.Use the sinks in the washrooms (one person at a time)

Masks: The most recent recommendation from Canada’s public health is that of wearing anon-medical masks or face covering as an additional layer of protection, even when physicaldistancing is active at the studio.

We recommend you wear a mask while attending a class if you are comfortable doing so, but do take it offif you experience dizziness or a shortness of breath while wearing it.

Our Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols: We have implemented enhanced antibacterialand antiviral cleaning and sanitizing protocols for all common areas and surfaces, includingwashrooms, light switches, door handles. etc. This includes increasing the frequency thatthese items are cleaned (number of times per day) as well as the timing (before and afterclasses).

If You Feel Unwell: If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, a cough, sorethroat, stuffy or runny nose, etc, or if you are in proximity with someone who is ill, please stayhome and DO NOT attend classes (This will be strictly enforced).

Class Times: We are staggering our class start times with a break between classes to allowfor cleaning and sanitization as well as to prevent large groups from congregating in thestudio during class cross over.

Limited contact: Staff and students are asked to please refrain from high fives and hugs forthe time being from public health advisors.

Travel: If you have recently travelled internationally, please stay home, self - isolate yourself,and refrain from attending the classes. Also, if you have travelled across different provinceswith-in Canada, it is mandatory to let us know in advance.

PARENTS: You can help! Please help your children read and understand these guidelines if youdecide to send them for their classes at the studio.We have given the full control to ourparents to make the decision of whether to send the children to the studio or continue theirclasses on ZOOM. We recommend to encourage the students to take safety as a priority andthen learn to keep themselves safe.