Northwestern Bhangra was founded nine years ago in an effort to promote awareness of Punjabi culture and since then has grown into a team that performs all around the Chicagoland area, as well as at competitions all across the nation. We are a diverse group, ranging from engineers to theatre majors, but we all share one common interest: celebrating the culture of the great(est) state of Punjab. Bhangra has affected each of our lives in different ways: it has allowed us to express ourselves though art, to immerse ourselves in our culture, and to gain a heightened sense of community as we continue to grow as a team. We strive to represent bhangra in its purest, most traditional form, while still incorporating some modern flair into the dance. This year we hope to be even more creative in representing the Punjabi culture, entertaining you the whole way through.
Raakhe Virse De is a group of gabroos who share a passion and love for bhangra. The group started competing in 2014 and has placed at competitions such as the Cincinnati Mela and PCS Chicago. They always look forward to putting on an energetic performance that will put a smile on your face.
CMU Bhangra is celebrating its 10th year as a collegiate co-ed Bhangra team. They pride themselves in creating unique sets yearly and presenting consistently entertaining performances. Basing their dancing on traditional elements of Bhangra, CMU Bhangra maintains consistent dancer and musician talent year to year.
Formed in 2007, Anakh-E-Gabroo (AEG) is an all-male independent bhangra team representing the tri-state area. Over the years, AEG has proven to be a strong proponent of community unity, Punjabi culture, and above all, the dance form of Bhangra. Having performed at both nationally and internationally acclaimed competitions events for the past four years, AEG is now a highly accredited and well-known Bhangra team.
DC Metro Punjabi Arts Academy was established in 2009 to encourage traditional and folk Punjabi culture amongst the youth in the Washington DC area. Along with teaching bhangra and dhol, the academy strives to create a positive, comfortable, and educational environment for the youth. Through the years, DCMPAA has opened four academies and teaches 10 different classes with over 150 students enrolled.