Shivani Subramaniam ‘24

Bhangra Dance in the U.S. vs the U.K.

In her AAPI Experience Grant Project, Shivani Subramaniam explored the differences between Bhangra Dance cultures in the United States and the United Kingdom. Shivani explained, “Bhangra dance originated in the North Indian/Pakistani state of Punjab as a form of celebration for farmers during the harvest. It has since evolved into a performance form involving competitions and has spread far beyond the Punjab into the diaspora.” She noted that her project “focused on variations in the diasporas’ socioeconomic classes and the way both cultures have evolved differently in response.” Furthermore, Shivani sought to” forge deeper connections with [her] heritage and explore non-Western forms of movement and expression through the body.” Her final project took the form of an essay, which involved interviews with Bhangra practitioners and her experiences as a student and performer of the dance.