On Saturday, the Shan-E-Punjab Arts Club will perform at the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Vaisakhi Night match against Portland Timbers for a second straight year at BC Place.
And 15 years after starting, they continue to grow as an integral cultural presence in the local South Asian community.
“Our main reason for existence is to keep our folk dances alive through the dance art form, and to give the youth a positive environment to learn and prosper,” explained Mandeep Sarkaria, director of Shan-E-Punjab Arts Club.
Shan-E-Punjab Arts Club was founded in 2008 by a group of passionate bhangra and giddha devotees, all of whom have countless years of practice and knowledge under their belt. The joint passion of culture, heritage and musical art was combined to create this flourishing academy. It is known as one of the best bhangra and giddha academies in North America.
Much like on the soccer pitch, the Arts Club teaches youth how to work together in a team, to be a part of a community, and to stay away from the negative environments involved in drugs and violence.
“Through dance performances, they build confidence, good relationships, and learn how to be a positive part of the community and how to promote your culture.”
Dance can also be competitive. The Shan-E-Punjab Arts club has traveled throughout North America for performances and competitions.
“Similar to sports like soccer, you work in a team, and a big plus point is to explore your creative side, create new dances and routines, and new moves to incorporate into your team.”
After getting a taste of the ‘Caps match last year, they are all looking forward to perform again in front of another great crowd on Saturday.
“The team is really excited. It’s a big event and a great opportunity at such a big stage. We’ve been prepping and finalizing the routine. The team loved the experience last year in front of such a big crowd, and having your music play in a big auditorium. You have all those people come in after the performance to congratulate you and connect with you. It’s great to see your culture represented, and in that moment you are kind of like a celebrity.”
Seeing an important event like Vaisakhi represented is also greatly meaningful for all involved.
“Vaisakhi is of great significance in our life, it reminds us who we are. Having the Whitecaps be a part of it is a big honour for the community. It means that our community is being represented on a big level, and we’re proud to be leaders in the community at the game.”
While the Shan-E-Punjab Arts Club has been a big part of the South Asian community, they want everyone to know that anyone is welcome to join.
“We would like to open up opportunities for all communities to join bhangra classes or drum classes if they’re interested in that. We want to take our folk dances to other communities and showcase them, so that anyone knows that they have a place where they can come and we would be glad to assist them.”
