In addition to our regular dance and music classes, we also offer some specialty education programs across British Columbia and the Lower Mainland, ranging from Elementary Schools to Summer Camps to Simon Fraser University.
High School Credit Bhangra Classes
South Asian Arts is working in conjunction with iLearn BC to offer high school students the opportunity to earn High School level credits for Bhangra, Gidha, and Kathak dance classes as well as Dhol, Tabla, and Sitar music classes. iLearn BC is a grade 8 to 12 Ministry-approved school that opened its doors in September 2010. The school offers students creative instruction and a variety of delivery mediums to meet the individualized educational needs of students, with a main focus in innovation and creativity through the use of technology. The school has grown very quickly with many students enrolling in the program as full-time learners to take advantage of the great programs offered. Students learn in a way that meets their busy timetable and academic needs.
SFU FPA 120 - Introduction to Contemporary Popular Dance Forms
Modern and Traditional Bhangra
In September 2010 during the Fall semester at Simon Fraser University, South Asian Arts offered the first ever University accredited Bhangra course in North America. Due to it’s success, instructors Gurpreet Sian and Raakhi Sinha taught the course again the following semester in Spring 2011. A total of nearly 100 students took a step (literally) into the crazy and exciting world of Bhangra! Bhangra! Bhangra!
ArtStarts in Schools Touring Program
South Asian Arts aims to broaden cultural understanding and keep South Asian culture and traditions alive through its dance and music. The workshop performers are Gurpreet Sian, who has been playing the Dhol drum and dancing Bhangra for over 10 years; Raakhi Sinha, who has over 15 years experience as a Bharat Natyam and Gujurati folk dancer; and Rayman Bhuller, who is an accomplished musician with over 20 years of experience in Dhol. The three were also members of VIBE, a very successful competitive Bhangra team that travelled across North America winning many of the competitions they entered. They have presented numerous workshops from their Vancouver studio as well as at Folk and Children’s festivals across the Lower Mainland. Gurpreet and Raakhi performed with Russell Peters at the 2009 JUNO Awards in Vancouver and all three artists participated in multiple events during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
Bhangra & Bollywood Summer Dance Camps
For the first time ever, in August 2011 we partnered with Shiamak’s Indo-Jazz to present a specialized set of Summer Dance Camps in both Vancouver and Surrey. We blended the hard-hitting Dhol beats of Bhangra with Shiamak Davar’s very own contemporary style of Indo-Jazz into one fun, high-energy Dance Camp. It was the perfect way to keep kids in shape and away from the TV and computer.
Camp Dosti
Since the summer of 2005, this exciting cultural camp has been leaving lasting summer memories for those who have participated. For a full month, student’s ages 5-13 learn about South Asian culture through the instruction of various sports and arts such as Bhangra dance, music, theatre, and arts & crafts. In accordance to BC academic standards, children also learn math, science, social studies, creative writing with proper grammar and story telling. A special program called Life Skills deals with issues such as environmental consciousness, conflict resolution, cultural bridging, communication, and nutrition.
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