Harish Rao
CHICAGO: Two Punjabi community activists, Thakar S Basati and Sajid M. Chaudhry who used to co-host Global Punjabi Milaap to bring together people of East and West Punjab, felt a need of people desirous of learning Punjabi in both Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi script; Punjabi cooking and above all, they want Punjabi dances, Bhangra / Giddah.
They started Punjabi Academy in Chicago that will fulfill their needs. In their first endeavor, they will host Party Bhangra workshop from noon to 2 pm and Dhol workshop from 3 pm to 5 pm on August 25 at Junoon Dance studio in Roselle, a north side suburb of Chicago .Basati said that intending participants must bring their own Dhol.
S. Mohinder Singh aka Minddee is going to coach. He is well known Bhangra dancer from Chandigarh who has travelled 40 countries giving Bhangra performances. He has danced for many movies. He is the first one who started Zhoomer as full dance; “It will be great opportunity to learn from such an experienced coach,”Basati added.
The organizers also be doing auditions for Punjabi Belle, Heer Ranjha on August 26from 3pm to 5pm at Junoon Dance studio. The Academy will also be hosting workshops on Punjabi poetry and plays. “We are also looking for teachers to teach Punjabi language or any other Punjabi art,” said Basati. Participation is open to people of all religions, all nationalities.
