How to Dance Bhangra

The Bhangra is a lively dance that originates in the Punjab region in India. It follows the beat of the dhol, or the Indian drum. To dance Bhangra, start by learning basic steps and movements. Then, try more advanced moves to add more variety to your Bhangra dance style. You can also take classes in Bhangra dance to improve your style.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Learning Basic Bhangra Steps

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1
Practice the bounce. Begin with your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Lift your arms above your head and position your palms outward, with your thumb sticking out. You should form an L-shape with your hand. Bend both legs a few inches. As you bend your legs, bend your arms at the elbow and bring your hands in towards your head. Repeat this four times, bending your legs and pulling your hands in.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Make a smooth bouncing motion with your legs, pulling your hands inward as you bend your legs.
- Do not drop your elbows when you pull your hands inward. Keep your elbows up, sticking out on either side of you.
- You can also try moving your body from side to side as you do the bounce. Lean to one side as you bend your legs and pull in your hands. Then, lean to the other side.
2
Try the one-legged bounce. Place your feet hip distance apart. Jump one to two inches off the ground. Land lightly on the balls of your feet. Then, jump again. As you jump, land on the ball of your left foot. Lift your right leg up to the side, bending it at the knee.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Place your right leg back down and jump again. Land on the balls of your feet. Jump again and lift your right leg up to the side.
- Return to the center and repeat these motions on the other side. Jump once. Then, jump again and land on your right foot, lifting your left leg up to the side.
- Add the hand movements by lifting your arms up above your head. Hold your palms outward with your thumb out, forming an L-shape. Raise your arms up as you lift your foot upward in the bounce. Bring them down when your leg goes down in the bounce.
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3
Do shoulder shrugs. Start with your feet planted on the floor, hip-width apart. Raise your arms above your head with your palms turned outward. Lift your arms up. As you lift them, lean back on your right leg and lift your left heel off the ground, turning your left foot outward. Bend your legs and pump your arms up and down. Do this four times.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Pump your arms up and down by bending your elbows and bringing your arms down. Then, raise them back up. Keep your palms turned outward, facing away from you. Make sure you bend your legs as you bring your arms downward.
- Do shoulder shrugs on the right side, with your left heel up, four times. Then, repeat the same movements on the left side, with your right heel up, four times.
4
Follow the beat of the dhol. The dhol is the Indian drum that traditionally accompanies Bhangra dancing. It has a pattern of four beats repeating over and over again. Follow the beat of the dhol so your Bhangra dancing is fluid and on time.
- You can find recordings of the dhol online or at your local music store.
- Most Indian music soundtracks have the dhol as the central instrument, so you can also dance along to these recordings.
5
Watch Bhangra dance videos. To get a better sense of this dance style, you can watch traditional Bhangra dance videos online. Look for Bhangra dance videos from Indian events, like weddings or dance performances. Check for Bhangra dancing in Indian films or television shows.
- The more you watch Bhangra dance videos, the better you will be picking up the dance movements. Watching different Bhangra dance videos can also expose you to a variety of movements and styles.

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Doing More Advanced Bhangra Moves

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1
Do the Dhamal. Stand with your legs hip-width apart. Raise your right leg up towards your chest with your knee bent. Then, place it down and raise your left leg up towards your chest, knee bent. You are making a skipping motion with your legs. Raise your opposite arm as you lift your leg and keep your other arm at your side. Snap your fingers as you raise your arm in the air.^{[4]XResearch source}
- For example, if you were raising your right leg up to your chest, you would raise your left arm. Then, you would snap the fingers on your left and right hands.
- In traditional Bhangra, there are different styles for men and women, known as masculine and feminine. To do a feminine Dhamal, keep your legs bent inward as you skip. To do the masculine Dhamal, turn your legs outward as you skip. You can try either style, regardless of your gender.
2
Try the Jhumar. Have your legs hip width apart. Lift your right leg up and place it down lightly, tapping the front part of your foot on the ground. Jump onto the extended foot and lift your other foot upward. Then, bring your extended foot back to the center.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Repeat this on the left side, lifting your left leg and placing it down lightly for a tap. Jump on the extended left foot and lift your right foot upward. Return your left foot to the center.
- Add arm movements by raising the hand opposite of your extended foot above your head. So, if your right foot is extended for the tap, your left arm is raised. Touch your pointer finger and thumb together, keeping your palms facing outward. Raise your hand as you tap your foot. Then, bring it inward as you return your extended foot to the center.
3
Do the Chaffe. Begin with your legs hip width apart and your arms extended below your waist. Keep your fingers folded over your palms. Jump on your right leg and kick your left leg to the side. As you kick, open your fingers to expose your palm. Push your arms outward in time with the kick. Bring your left leg back and then forward with your toes facing upward. Jump on your right leg again and kick your left leg to the side again. Open your hands as you do this.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Repeat the same movements on the opposite side. Jump on your left leg and kick your right leg to the side. Then, raise your arms above your head and open your fingers so your palms are exposed.

Part 3

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Taking Your Bhangra Dancing to the Next Level

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1
Take a class on Bhangra dancing. Look for a Bhangra dance class at your local Indian community center. Check for Bhangra dance classes at your local gym. Find a class taught by a seasoned Bhangra dancer and instructor.
- You may ask a friend to come with you to motivate you to go to the class. Bhangra dancing can be fun to learn with a friend.
Another way you can elevate your dancing is to join a dance club that focuses on Bhangra. Look for a Bhangra dance club at your local community center or dance center. Check online for Bhangra dance clubs in your area.
3
Go to a Bhangra dance event. Check for local Indian festivals or celebrations in your area that are open to the public. There is often Bhangra dancing at these types of events. Watch the Bhangra dancers and study their movements to improve your own dancing.
- Bhangra dancing is often done at Indian weddings. If you get invited to an Indian wedding, do try to attend so you can watch and learn from the Bhangra dancers at the event.

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How do you describe Bhangra?
Richa Jauhari
BollyX Regional Trainer, NASM certified Personal Trainer, Choreographer, Fitness & Mental Health Author
Richa Jauhari is BollyX Regional Trainer for Southern California based in Glendale, California. With over 10 years of experience as an instructor and choreographer, she specializes in Bollywood fusion dances. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Toronto and a Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy from Brandman University. She has also earned a certification as a personal trainer from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and an Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) certification in group exercise. She has published articles on fitness & mental health in notable online publications such as Brown Girl Magazine, Medium, BollyX Life, and India Currents.
Richa Jauhari
BollyX Regional Trainer, NASM certified Personal Trainer, Choreographer, Fitness & Mental Health Author
Expert Answer
Bhangra is a fun and energetic folk dance from the state of Punjab in India. Many movements in Bhangra are inspired by the harvest season and the music is a rich tapestry of unique musical instruments and vocals illustrating stories about the unique culture of Punjab.
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