March 27 2009 22:20 PST
by: Dr. Sahib
Bhangra Fusion is one of the hottest and longest running Bhangra competitions in the US. On March 28th, 2009, ten Bhangra teams from across North America are taking the Motor City by storm for the 10th consecutive year.
So what makes Bhangra Fusion different than other Bhangra competitions?
"Definitely the 'fusion' aspect," says Rahul Kataria, captain of the Northwestern University Bhangra team, one of the ten groups competing at Bhangra Fusion this Saturday. "What I like most about the competition is that the rules and the judges allow us quite a bit of leeway in terms how we interpret traditional Bhangra. We know the traditional stuff, but it's about how well we can balance it with new and interesting ideas."
Bobby Singh of Hype Productions, the organizers of the competition, believes that the evolution of Bhangra dance styles has been made clear to him over the past 10 years at Bhangra Fusion. "Ten years ago, we used to dance to songs we happened to hear at weddings; as long as we put our hands in the air, it was Bhangra. But now, Bhangra is more mainstream. Kids grew up watching these competitions and learning what Bhangra really is."
Sumjit Bajwa, captain of Michigan State University's Bhangra team (the only all-girls team at this year's show), has been attending Bhangra Fusion since she was 16 years old. "Since 2002, every team has brought something different at Fusion. Each year, I've walked out with a new idea and something we can incorporate into our dances in the future."
Kataria adds, "We know there are gonna be Desis and non-Desis at the show, so we remix our songs, come up with creative formations, and really try and please everyone."
Whether you are a fan of traditional Bhangra or the Fusion styles, Bhangra Fusion promises to satisfy any audience. Keep it locked on The Desi Hits Bhangra Circuit for more updates on Bhangra Fusion, including exclusive photos and video from the show!
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