Dance around the world – Bhangra
Practice this dynamic and joyful dance with your group to discover a fun way to move!
| Target: | Counselors |
| Time frame: | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Members: | Everyone |
| Type of tool: | Activities |
| Ages: | 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-12 years, 13 and Over |
| Group size: | One group, More than one group, Whole camp |
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Physical activity
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Description
Are you looking for a fun way to get your kids moving? Do they enjoy dancing, and would you like them to discover a traditional dance from around the world? This activity is for you.
Bhangra is a folk dance that originated in Punjab, India. It is a joyful dance that is now a staple at celebrations. Watch the presentation video to better understand how to lead the activity.
To begin, find a flat surface with enough space to move around. Print the illustrations of the movements so that you and the campers can refer to them as needed (see pdf). Ask the kids to stand up and space themselves out. Introduce the activity by explaining what Bhangra is.
Before making teams, do a warmup to prepare the camper’s bodies to move. Then, demonstrate the starting position (see pdf).
For the younger ones, start by demonstrating the six basic movements and ensure they understand them. Bhangra follows a four-beat rhythm, ask the campers to count while they perform the movements, this will help them stay on rhythm and be synchronized.
For the older ones, make teams of 3 or 4 and give each team the illustrations of the movements. Take turns having each child choose a movement to teach the others, who must then imitate it.
Special thanks to the Philippine Folkloric Dance Compagny of Montreal and Jill Otter, Bhangra artist and teacher from Quebec City for proofreading the content of these documents.
Special thanks to the Sainte-Geneviève Day Camp, the Claude-Allard Day Camp, the La Clémentine Day Camp and the Chicoutimi Day Camp for testing and approving this activity!
Goal(s)
This activity uses a progressive and playful approach to encourage children to move at varying intensities while practicing their basic motor skills at their own pace. It allows each child to express themselves through their movements and to demonstrate creativity in creating choreography or new movements. It also provides an opportunity to explore another culture through traditional folk dance.
Tips and Tricks
Give each camper a progress tracking table so they can check the box when they successfully execute a movement.
Play traditional music to set up a joyful ambience. Involve those who already know the dance in leading this activity, they can show others the movements they already know.
Continue the learning of dances around the world with Gumboot and Tinikling.
Required material
This activity can be done without any material. Optional:
- Radio/speakers, music,
- Illustrations of the movements (to print),
- Skills progress tracking table (to print)
Let’s have a chat!
Take time to talk about local food with your kids before, during, and after the activity. In the pdf, you will learn more about Bhangra and its history, talk about it with your group!
- Which country does Bhangra come from?
- Traditionally, who dances Bhangra and during what time of year?
- What was the most difficult movement for you? Why? (coordination, jumping, etc.)
- What was your level of breathlessness while dancing Bhangra? (Moderate to high intensity)
Suggested variant(s)
Have the six basic movements been mastered by your group? Here are some ideas to challenge the campers!
- Ask them to create a routine and present it to the other teams.
- Teach another group what you’ve learned.
- Use your creativity to invent your own movement.
- Have your group form a long line and ask each camper to imitate the movement made by the camper in front of them.
- Incorporate Bhangra in your morning routine by involving the whole camp. Invite the other counselors to create movements and develop a camp routine.
