Bhangra, Giddha, Kathak, Sufi, Dhamal: Choosing the Right Dance
Each form carries a different meaning and reads differently to an audience. A practical guide to choosing what fits your event.
Journal
Culture Articles
The forms, the histories and the context behind the performance — Kathak, Bhangra, Sufi practice and the regional traditions that sit alongside them.
5 articles in Culture
Dhamal, Nautanki and the Punjabi Stage Traditions
Punjab has a deep tradition of theatrical folk performance beyond dance. Nautanki, Bhand, Tamasha and Dhamal each offer something different for a cultural programme.
Sufi Dance: Reading the Whirling Tradition on Stage
Sufi performance in Pakistan draws on khaqgar movement, dhikr and devotional music. This is how that tradition is translated for a contemporary stage audience witho…
Bhangra, Giddha and Punjab's Festive Dance Forms
Punjab's folk dance is not one thing but a family of forms — Bhangra, Giddha, Dhamal and more. A practical look at how each one is built and where it works best on…
Kathak and the Classical Dance Heritage of Pakistan
Kathak arrived in the region through migrating musicians and evolved into distinctly Pakistani schools. Here is how the form works, what makes it different, and why…
Bring the Spirit of Pakistani Culture to Your Next Event
Planning a wedding, festival, corporate event or cultural programme? Invite VPAG to create a performance your audience will remember.