Today we’d like to introduce you to Shivansh Malhotra.
Hi Shivansh, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I love Bhangra, and I’ve always competed in events when I was in India and in NYC where I went to school. KCBhangra started off as just a fun activity for kids on Sundays, but I quickly realized it is way more than that. I wanted to give Punjabi/Indian kids a platform where they all feel a sense of belonging.
In our academy, we have kids join us who are initially super shy, unsure, and insecure about their identity. Slowly they open up to us saying how they’re bullied at school – some for their patka (Sikh religion head covering) or some for their skin color; and how they feel a sense of pride hanging out with kids like them, speaking their mother tongue and doing a dance together that was created by their ancestors.
We; as an institution have taught close to 72 kids and 37 adults in the last 3 years; so we’re growing in popularity in our beautiful state.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think any small business would associate with us when we say that “Nothing is as easy as it seems”.
The same goes for KCBhangra; the biggest struggle was to get our name out there. We would host workshops where we’d have barely anybody show up; or complain the pace of the workshop was too slow/too fast.
As soon as we had the momentum flowing, COVID put everything to a halt; we tried online classes to keep our classes alive but it was not as successful as we’d like it to be.
Albeit this, we kept grinding and perfecting our craft; we are already having our most successful year this far.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We teach a North-Indian traditional dance called, Bhangra.
We specialize in teaching authentic & folk Bhangra. Modern diaspora in the Punjabi community has made Bhangra a fusion of acrobatic moves, gimmicks, etc.
However, we focus on explaining to the kids the history and significance of certain formations, steps, and step names.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
We also offer private lessons and costume/prop rentals.
Our next session starts in fall 2022, Follow us on IG and FB for more information.
Contact Info:
- Email: kcbhangra@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcbhangra
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcbhangra
