So Bhangra Empire has done a lot of "big" things in terms of recognition on a national level. Now they are crossing larger bodies of water and taking their routine to the INTERNATIONAL platform.

Bhangra Empire - Special Announcement - 2012

This type of exposure for newcomers to Bhangra is just awesome, so I'm glad Bhangra Empire is doing a lot to spread the cultural dance.


Enjoy!


~ Basim

Are they competing or doing an exhibition performance?  Either way, much respect to them for being able to perform overseas.

Sicckkkkk!!!!! Good job guys

its gonna be sick! cant wait

The Bhangra Showdown 2012

This is very important for bhangra.  Bhangra began in India, then moved to the UK, North America and Australia, with some other regional teams peppered across the world.  India's live style has remained decently static.  North America on the other hand has flourished under the watchful guidance of our accomplished circuit.  Teams like SGPD, Empire, KJ and Nachdi have changed what bhangra is, and can be.  The entire definition has changed, because of North America.  The UK has never had a solid circuit.  It has its ebbs and flows but the UK has never been a leader in bhangra.  This is the first competition that has been relevant.  It is packaged and marketed like blowout, and it will be a hit.  The teams in the UK are really going to be prepared this time.  They want to send a message that the UK is here to stake its claim.  And why not?  The UK is teeming with South Asians and some of the pioneers of bhangra music have come from the UK (Whereas North America can only boast a few super stars).  The important thing to watch is the style that will surely be on display.  In the past the UK has been modern, and it likely will stay that way for now.  It is no surprise that Empire was invited as it seems that the UK bases much of its approach from Empire.  In the UK, right now, the style is akin to the style before SGPD hit the NA circuit.  It is untouched, innocent and new.  But, with the perpetuation of Youtube and BTF; I have no doubt that things will be different this time.  Elite 8 is watched all over the main centers of bhangra, including UK.  They know what is going on in our neck of the woods.  Heck, guys like Faysal are an example of UK bhangra heads.  So will it change?  Will the UK come to play with the big boys.  It is only natural that they will be influenced by the teams at Elite 8, Idols or blowout.  This may start the beginning of the transatlantic shift.  One day bhangra will homogenize, and the race is on to define a style.  This is an important moment, imho.

To be honest the uk is already moving away from that modern style, they're already influenced by teams like NJ, SGPD and VCU of old.  For those that are over here and involved in the scene, most are expecting a more traditional turn from the majority of teams.  You only have to take a look at last years winners to see what kind of direction uk bhangra is going in.  But I agree that teams are going to be looking to make their mark on the scene with the awareness that they are now being watched not just by people over here but those same dancers they watch on youtube as well.

I don't think that's wise until teams here move past just being fans of NA teams and actually work towards being better than them.  Until teams can perform at a high level against their own, there isn't much point pitching them against the very teams they look to for inspiration.