Tourists travel to Nova Scotia every year to watch the whales, taste the seafood and see the famed Peggy’s Cove lighthouse. Lately, another attraction is drawing attention to the East Coast and it’s not exactly what you’d expect - bhangra dancing.
A Halifax-based group of bhangra dancers, originally from India, have been causing quite a stir on the East Coast after posting entertaining videos on Facebook of their choreographed dancing in different locations across the Maritimes. The Maritime Bhangra Group’s video of Davinder Singh and Kunwardeep Singh dancing on the rocks of Peggy’s Cove has been seen nearly a quarter million times since it was posted four days ago.
“It has been outstanding,” Kunwardeep told CTV Atlantic on Tuesday. “People from all races, all countries, all religions, they are relating themselves to the dance because of the smiles on our faces, the dance moves and especially the locations.”
They aren’t related, but they do share a love for the traditional Indian folk dance. They moved from India to Halifax to attend university and decided to form the group as a way to stay connected to their home.
“It is these little things like your culture and your dance that keep you home away from home,” Kunwardeep said.
Another member of the Maritime Bhangra Group, Hasmeet Singh, said their dancing is helping to break down barriers and stereotypes they have experienced as Sikh men.
“We get that awkward stare from so many people,” Hasmeet said. “They don’t say anything to us, but we feel like there is a need for us to educate them.”
Onlookers have even been approaching the group to ask for dancing lessons.
“We never thought people would relate to the video in such a way,” Hasmeet said. “Someone said, ‘It gives me hope in my life.’”
The bhangra dancers have no plans to slow down after the success of their Peggy Cove video, and are already planning their next shoot.
“It is so joyful,” Kunwardeep said. “You feel so energetic doing it.”
With a report from CTV Atlantic
