Bhangra Education for Schools

The Bhangra Project education programme offers a series of exciting workshops developed especially for schools, to introduce children and young people to bhangra art forms and help them develop their creative skills. Workshops are designed to complement the national curriculum and give students the chance to explore issues of culture and identity, as well as promoting collaboration, self-esteem and communication. Keep checking back to see which schools are participating and for photos of events.

Workshops that are being offered to local schools are:

Dhol drumming
Working with a dhol drummer, each student will get the chance to create the vibrant sounds of dhol drumming. Students will learn about different rhythms on the dhol, as well as its origin, history and culture. They will also gain knowledge on how the dhol is made.

Bhangra dancing
Based on tradition bhangra dancing, the workshop includes a description of the instruments and dance moves used in bhangra, and use props and costumes to bring this artform to life. Participants will learn about the rhythms involved, as well as the origins, history and culture of bhangra dancing. By the end of the session the group will be able to demonstrate a bhangra dance routine.

Traditional music
Participants will get to learn about and try out traditional Punjabi bhangra folk instruments such as the dhol, thumbi, algozey and flute.

Mosaic
Working with community mosaic artist David Bowers, a class will create a mosaic mural of a dhol drum that can then be placed in the school’s building or grounds. As well as creating a durable piece of art, students will learn about the history of the dhol drum and bhangra culture in general.

Bhangra sCULpTURE
Facilitated by artist Lucy Rosewarne, participants will look at bhangra and the culture surrounding it, and translate its core values of vibrancy, energy and colour into making their own individual figurative sculptural form. The session will start off by watching a bhangra performance on DVD to inspire students and teach them about this energetic art form. Students will then develop their own sculpture to reflect vibrant movement and colour, with the workshop leader also developing a large paper wall hanging with participants which will act as documentation of design ideas and information learnt about bhangra.

For more information, or to get your school involved, please contact Helen Dorritt, Education Officer, on 0117 929 1110 or helen@asianartsagency.co.uk

The bhangra education program for schools is made possible with support from Ernest Cook Trust.