Bhangra has long been a way for Punjabi communities to celebrate their culture. Now, students in B.C. can get high school credit for learning it.
The Royal Academy of Punjab Society in Surrey has received approval to offer Punjabi Folk Dance, including Bhangra, as Grade 10, 11, and 12 external credentials.
For academy founder Hardeep Sahota, the approval is the result of years of work to bring Punjabi folk dance into the formal education system.
“We had a vision to establish Bhangra as education credential, hence the journey begins,” he shared.
Sahota began working on the idea back in 2012. He became certified through the Canadian Dance Teachers Association and developed a curriculum for Punjabi folk dance before working with the B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care. The first attempt came in 2016, when a program was developed but ultimately did not move forward.
Years later, Sahota went back through old emails and documents and realized the ministry was accepting applications again. This time, the curriculum was expanded to include more than just Bhangra steps. Students will also learn about Punjab’s history and culture, including the stories and meaning behind different dance movements.
“There’s a proper assessment and qualification system in place. It’s not simply about a student doing Bhangra and getting a credit without knowing anything about its history. Every movement has a purpose, a history, and a meaning,” Sahota explained.
“There’s a systematic approach to how each step is performed and the story behind it. Students will be learning the historical and cultural side of Bhangra as part of the program.”
For students, the opportunity is about more than adding another credit to their education.
Diya, a student at the academy, says learning Bhangra also helps her stay connected to her cultural roots.
“Bhangra is a big part of who I am. I wouldn’t know who I am without it, because it’s such a big part of my life, something I am passionate about,” she said.
“I am happy that it is appreciated as other dance forms now, and I can have some credits for it in high school.”
And for Deeksha, the new program has a special meaning. She was once a student at the Royal Academy of Punjab. Today, she teaches Bhangra there.
“I feel like the door has opened, and everybody can learn this culture.”
Deeksha says the announcement has created a new sense of excitement among students, including those outside the academy.
“The students were really proud and were sharing news with other friends to inform and encourage them about this initiative.”
B.C. already allows students to earn credits through dance forms such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. Now, Punjabi folk dance has joined that list.
Sahota says the program is open to everyone, not just students from Punjabi or South Asian backgrounds.
“This program is for anyone who is interested in learning Bhangra, regardless of their background. And our goal is not to stop at students simply earning a credit,” he said.
“We want them to gain a deeper understanding of Bhangra, its history, and its culture.”
The academy hopes the program will eventually grow beyond B.C., giving students across Canada an opportunity to learn Bhangra in person and online as part of their formal education.
