Author Topic: NorCal Bhangra 2010 (Read 3136 times)

FTW Entertainment · « **on:** December 08, 2009, 11:32:39 PM »

We are pleased to announce that NorCal Bhangra 2010 will be held at the Gallo Center for Arts in Modesto Ca. on February 27, 2010. This event was originally Apna Virsa:Bhangra Fusion, but changed names due to marketing issues. The multimillion dollar Gallo Center holds over 1200 attendees and has state of the art lighting and sound in it's theater setting.

Ten teams will be selected to compete. Judging will be that of a modern competition, there will be no extra points awarded for traditional aspects of bhangra (live singing, etc.). There is a heavy emphasis on the quality, energy, and fluidity of the music and how well the routine fits the music. Remixes and integration of music genres other than bhangra is encouraged. However, this is STILL a bhangra competition. Points will be awarded for synchronization, formations, execution, stunts, and degree of difficulty as with all competitions.

There will be a bonus for the 'crowd pleasing' team. The team with the greatest crowd reaction at the end of the competition will be awarded extra points. Some may say this will bias local teams compared to long distance teams, but in actuality it will benefit the team who puts on the most entertaining show.

To maintain the 'modern bhangra' atmosphere, headlining this event will be the symbol of fusing Bhangra with western music himself, Manak - E. Other headliners tba.

There will also be 2-3 exhibition spots showcasing at least one completely traditional team. Based on the applicants, these will be live teams.

Teams flying in will be comped most of the lodging accomadations at the official hotel. Transportation from the hotel will be provided to and from the venue, team mixer, and afterparty.

All interested teams, please send an email to Ftw_Ent@yahoo.com or NorCalBhangra@yahoo.com. The registration packet is complete and ready to be filled out. Registration deadline will be January 6th, 2010; with official lineup posted on January 9th,2010.Official website is under construction and will be posted soon.

Do not hesitate to convey your questions/comments through pm, email, or facebook.com/ftw209. We look forward to hearing from you BhangraHolics!!

FTW Entertainment

Bhangra Teams' Forum · « **on:** December 08, 2009, 11:32:39 PM »

Meistro · « **Reply #1 on:** December 08, 2009, 11:40:31 PM »

Quote from: FTW Entertainment on December 08, 2009, 11:32:39 PM

To maintain the 'modern bhangra' atmosphere, headlining this event will be the symbol of fusing Bhangra with western music himself, Manak - E. Other headliners tba.

Fail.

KingGeorge · « **Reply #2 on:** December 08, 2009, 11:55:52 PM »

Quote from: FTW Entertainment on December 08, 2009, 11:32:39 PM

Judging will be that of a modern competition, there will be no extra points awarded for traditional aspects of bhangra (live singing, etc.).

Fail.

Quote from: FTW Entertainment on December 08, 2009, 11:32:39 PM

However, this is STILL a bhangra competition. Points will be awarded for synchronization, formations, execution, stunts, and degree of difficulty as with all competitions.

No, this is the definition of any dance competition. What differentiates this as a Bhangra competition?

Quote from: FTW Entertainment on December 08, 2009, 11:32:39 PM

Some may say this will bias local teams compared to long distance teams, but in actuality it will benefit the team who puts on the most entertaining show.

Based on what reasoning? The more fans- the more lively a crowd, no?

Quote from: FTW Entertainment on December 08, 2009, 11:32:39 PM

To maintain the 'modern bhangra' atmosphere, headlining this event will be the symbol of fusing Bhangra with western music himself, Manak - E. Other headliners tba.

Please review Pioneer Bhangra 2009 opinions regarding this decision.

Best of luck.

ChakDePhatte · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2009, 01:51:09 AM »

LOL
if you wanna do fusion, might as well get lomaticc and sunny brown hahaha

rampur209 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 09, 2009, 12:00:18 PM »

Come why would u pay so much for a sing that forgets his on lyrics when he tries to lip sing or even PA get someone legit like Malwa, cheema, geeta zailder, any of the mann's and if u really want to get someone from UK get JK.

So there is going to be 2 comps in Modesto one in feb n one in April dammm but the idea of all modern comp is wack because first of all norcal is like heaven for traditional bhangra with teams like heeray babc GS 3d capital. And with semi trad. Teams like BK virse deh waris n lbc why would u want to have a modern comp.

kinnell · « **Reply #5 on:** December 09, 2009, 01:49:05 PM »

Quote from: amancheema on December 08, 2009, 11:55:52 PM

Quote from: FTW Entertainment on December 08, 2009, 11:32:39 PM
Judging will be that of a modern competition, there will be no extra points awarded for traditional aspects of bhangra (live singing, etc.).

Fail.

Quote from: FTW Entertainment on December 08, 2009, 11:32:39 PM
However, this is STILL a bhangra competition. Points will be awarded for synchronization, formations, execution, stunts, and degree of difficulty as with all competitions.

No, this is the definition of any dance competition. What differentiates this as a Bhangra competition?

Quote from: FTW Entertainment on December 08, 2009, 11:32:39 PM
Some may say this will bias local teams compared to long distance teams, but in actuality it will benefit the team who puts on the most entertaining show.

Based on what reasoning? The more fans- the more lively a crowd, no?

Quote from: FTW Entertainment on December 08, 2009, 11:32:39 PM
To maintain the 'modern bhangra' atmosphere, headlining this event will be the symbol of fusing Bhangra with western music himself, Manak - E. Other headliners tba.

Please review Pioneer Bhangra 2009 opinions regarding this decision.

Best of luck.

I feel that the OP contradicts themselves a few times throughout the post. hehe

FTW Entertainment · « **Reply #6 on:** December 09, 2009, 03:12:22 PM »

Quote from: rampur209 on December 09, 2009, 12:00:18 PM

Come why would u pay so much for a sing that forgets his on lyrics when he tries to lip sing or even PA get someone legit like Malwa, cheema, geeta zailder, any of the mann's and if u really want to get someone from UK get JK.

So there is going to be 2 comps in Modesto one in feb n one in April dammm but the idea of all modern comp is wack because first of all norcal is like heaven for traditional bhangra with teams like heeray babc GS 3d capital. And with semi trad. Teams like BK virse deh waris n lbc why would u want to have a modern comp.

We understand that Manak E has gotten bad reviews in the past. However due to circumstances at the time, this was the only singer we could book. We are working on bringing in atleast one more headliner, and plan on getting Manak E a little more lively with a group such as Bombay Sapphire for support and energy.

As for the modern competition aspect, we understand there are top notch traditional teams in California. However, the general population does not give these teams their well deserved appreciation. You die hard bhangra fans definitely do, but that will account for what, 100 200 300 500 seats max in the theater? What about the other 1,000? As this is our first year starting off with this competition, we want there to be something for everyone, so that we can continue this for years to come. In order to do so we need to put on a lively, energetic, fun show that caters to the general population. Traditional teams are fantastic and put in countless amounts of effort into their routines, but too many times the audience is 'bored' with their performance. I appreciate traditional routines and give them their due respect, but you must look at the situation from the promoter/organizer's point of view as well.

If a traditional team is able to maintain the energy/enthusiasm of the crowd, then they will definitely have a chance of winning the competition. However, as mentioned before, no extra points will be awarded for traditional aspects such as live singing and sticking to traditional bhangra music. We hope that semi-traditional teams with lots of energy do compete. We will also have 2-3 exhibition spots with traditional teams to cater to those who really appreciate the effort and time that goes into these routines. We are expecting a great competition and hope to see you all there!

Tarun Grewal · « **Reply #7 on:** December 10, 2009, 01:16:13 PM »

Judging will be that of a modern competition, there will be no extra points awarded for traditional aspects of bhangra (live singing, etc.).

Having traditional aspects of bhangra should be awarded. I was also wondering who will be the judges of the show and if you can put the registration packet on here.

Swi · « **Reply #8 on:** December 10, 2009, 01:31:18 PM »

look FTW,

to be honest, you don't need to explain yourself. You want to do a modern comp, do a modern comp. Your reasons are your own and the pressure is on you, not on us, so do what you feel is best for your current and future success.

Having said that, just be consistent and concise. If you want to do a modern comp, just have a clear rubric and prep judges before hand (really really important). Make sure they stick by it, and be honest about what your goal is. If you do that, then people's disagreements can only be subjectively about the rubric, which is not your problem.

To people questioning how such a rubric establishes this as a Bhangra competition, my response would be that the committee will be picking teams and will pick teams that balance general dance excitement with bhangra choreography. For instance, if they might reject applications from HPD and Jabbawockeez, but it's not a referendum on either team, it's the committee trying to pick a lineup consistent with the rubric and the goal of the competition, ya dig?

Good Luck

Manjot · « **Reply #9 on:** December 10, 2009, 01:45:00 PM »

Quote from: FTW Entertainment on December 09, 2009, 03:12:22 PM

In order to do so we need to put on a lively, energetic, fun show that caters to the general population. Traditional teams are fantastic and put in countless amounts of effort into their routines, but too many times the audience is 'bored' with their performance.

Is Vick 1 of the organizers? hahha

MundeNyDe · « **Reply #10 on:** December 10, 2009, 01:52:10 PM »

ftw ent lol

FTW Entertainment · « **Reply #11 on:** December 10, 2009, 02:12:47 PM »

To all teams second guessing whether to apply to NorCal Bhangra 2010 due to 'what you heard on btf.'

Seriously!? Don't believe the hype. Traditional and semi-tradtional teams should apply and do have a shot at winning this competition. The only thing that sets this competition apart is that there are no points allotted for traditional aspects such as live singing/boliyan. An energetic tradItional team can just as easily take the competition as a fully modern team. Let the rubric speak for itself!

That being said, the registration deadline is Jan. 6th, 2010. Please email Ftw_Ent@yahoo.com or NorCalBhangra@yahoo.com for the reg packet. Look forward to hearing from you soon!

[Sher] Imran · « **Reply #12 on:** December 10, 2009, 02:32:11 PM »

Funny how people say that a competition is shady/wack/whatever because its supposed to be a traditional comp but modern teams place, yet Norcal Bhangra is coming out and saying exactly what they're looking for and people are still finding a reason to cry about it. Any traditional team that comes to this comp will know that that they cant rely on just being traditional, they have to be high energy and entertaining.

Swi · « **Reply #13 on:** December 10, 2009, 02:42:30 PM »

Quote from: [Sher] Imran on December 10, 2009, 02:32:11 PM

Funny how people say that a competition is shady/wack/whatever because its supposed to be a traditional comp but modern teams place, yet Norcal Bhangra is coming out and saying exactly what they're looking for and people are still finding a reason to cry about it. Any traditional team that comes to this comp will know that that they cant rely on just being traditional, they have to be high energy and entertaining.

+1 its a first year comp trying to establish itself in the community, and it's being pretty honest that it doesn't want teams to do stuff just for the sake of points or traditionality....it's not penalizing traditional teams, it's keeping everything even

Vijay · « **Reply #14 on:** December 10, 2009, 02:54:57 PM »

Agreed. Norcal bhangra, despite the BS u read on btf, teams WILL apply to your competition, be it traditional or modern. Best of luck with everything.

Jeeti · « **Reply #15 on:** December 10, 2009, 03:12:04 PM »

Quote from: [Sher] Imran on December 10, 2009, 02:32:11 PM

Funny how people say that a competition is shady/wack/whatever because its supposed to be a traditional comp but modern teams place, yet Norcal Bhangra is coming out and saying exactly what they're looking for and people are still finding a reason to cry about it. Any traditional team that comes to this comp will know that that they cant rely on just being traditional, they have to be high energy and entertaining.

Imran, you are a wise man....somehow people will figure out a way to bitch...To the organizers of Norcal, way to come right out and say exactly what you are looking for, although I think you may have explained yourself a bit way too much...

a simple...brief sentence or two explaining that you will not be awarding extra points for having a singer, band, etc..would have sufficed.

As far as Manak-E..I have never heard of an organizer being so straight forward...hahah...it is the only person they could book...so..at least they are telling you what happened?

Kudos to you FTW in your candidness, but perhaps you don't need to disclose everything...as Swi said, your reasons are your reasons..you don't need to explain to us every aspect of the competition..

I suggest all modern teams and traditional apply to this competition as it seems to be creating quite a level playing field in that regard...I would be surprised if the line up didn't come out stellar...given all the teams in the area that would be interested.

It seems competition organizers can never win...you can have hours and hours of bitching about how the organizers aren't saying enough, yet at the same time...here we have a case where the competition has disclosed everything to the community, and there is a problem with it. They are throwing the competition, they can decide to have the rubric geared to whatever they choose..if you don't like it, don't apply...it is a 100 times better than a comp being vague about what they are looking for, which is generally the case...and fuels half the fires that we have over judging.

Akshay · « **Reply #16 on:** December 10, 2009, 04:01:13 PM »

Quote from: Jeeti on December 10, 2009, 03:12:04 PM

Quote from: [Sher] Imran on December 10, 2009, 02:32:11 PM
Funny how people say that a competition is shady/wack/whatever because its supposed to be a traditional comp but modern teams place, yet Norcal Bhangra is coming out and saying exactly what they're looking for and people are still finding a reason to cry about it. Any traditional team that comes to this comp will know that that they cant rely on just being traditional, they have to be high energy and entertaining.

Imran, you are a wise man....somehow people will figure out a way to bitch...To the organizers of Norcal, way to come right out and say exactly what you are looking for, although I think you may have explained yourself a bit way too much...

a simple...brief sentence or two explaining that you will not be awarding extra points for having a singer, band, etc..would have sufficed.

As far as Manak-E..I have never heard of an organizer being so straight forward...hahah...it is the only person they could book...so..at least they are telling you what happened?

Kudos to you FTW in your candidness, but perhaps you don't need to disclose everything...as Swi said, your reasons are your reasons..you don't need to explain to us every aspect of the competition..

I suggest all modern teams and traditional apply to this competition as it seems to be creating quite a level playing field in that regard...I would be surprised if the line up didn't come out stellar...given all the teams in the area that would be interested.

It seems competition organizers can never win...you can have hours and hours of bitching about how the organizers aren't saying enough, yet at the same time...here we have a case where the competition has disclosed everything to the community, and there is a problem with it. They are throwing the competition, they can decide to have the rubric geared to whatever they choose..if you don't like it, don't apply...it is a 100 times better than a comp being vague about what they are looking for, which is generally the case...and fuels half the fires that we have over judging.

Agree with Jeeti here, Maybe you did elaborate a bit much on the information. Regardless, FTW came up and cleared up their goal. If anything, teams and us as dancers should acknowledge their sincerity instead of scrutinizing the organizers.

I can only imagine the work that goes into running a comp. It feels like every comp follows a trend and if these guys are actually trying to do it different, let’s give them a shot. We have too many comps. anyways who run themselves as “modern/traditional” yet deliver results in the complete opposite direction. At least, this discussion will hopefully kill the later discussion over placing.

bhangrafreak01 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 10, 2009, 04:07:50 PM »

Well its a Bhangra Competition so you have to have points for Jhummer, Dhammal, and etc..
I am guessing if you trying to say that if a team wants to go Live or have a Dholi there are no extra points for that.
Instead have points for more stunts and stuff

Meistro · « **Reply #18 on:** December 10, 2009, 07:22:27 PM »

I think the word "traditional" should be clarified since it has such an ambiguous definition. For me, traditional means: a team who executes with grace and folk (nakhra, joshe, lachak) understands the importance of the way vardiyaan should be worn, and distinguishes their routine with respect to different segments (Khunda segment, saap segment, jhummar, dhamaal, phumaniyaan, mirza, jodiyaan, etc.) and appropriate music (live or recorded) selection. To me it does not matter if a "traditional" team dances live or on music as long the entire set follows certain elements. Now, the flaw in FTW's description is that they are labeling a traditional team as being "all live". That is a vague definition. According to your description, you are only going to have empire-esque teams (what I call "modern" teams) applying who do not base their choreo/music on a certain folk/bhangra elements. Also, can you explain your statement, "Points will be awarded for synchronization, formations, execution, stunts, and degree of difficulty as with all competitions." What kind of execution are you talking about? This could mean ANYTHING. Hip hop execution? "Bangra" execution? "Modern execution" (creating your own moves? doing jugni to a jhummar song)? And can you explain degree of difficulty? Are you referring to difficulty in choreo? Does a team have to have at least 16 count moves like they did 5 years ago or else the action isnt considered difficult? This has nothing to do with "bitching". This has everything to do with you trying to be innovative and being the FIRST competition that requires music with hip hop and "chart topping" hits. You have to elaborate. Teams already incorporate hip hop beats and bass in their mixes. What makes this competition "the first" of its kind? You wrote "There is a heavy emphasis on the quality, energy, and fluidity of the music and how well the routine fits the music." Isnt this what teams have been doing already? Isnt this why in the "team mixes" section of btf you have teams posting their mixes and ppl say WOW THAT WAS A SICK MIX!!!! What sets your competition apart from others? As of right now there is nothing. Your descriptions have bean vague and do not offer anything "new" to the circuit.

P.S. I know some of you are gonna jump on my sack and say "but bhangra is evolving BLAH BLAH BLAH". This is true, but there are aspects that will not change.

Jeeti · « **Reply #19 on:** December 10, 2009, 07:37:44 PM »

Quote from: Meistro on December 10, 2009, 07:22:27 PM

I think the word "traditional" should be clarified since it has such an ambiguous definition. For me, traditional means: a team who executes with grace and folk (nakhra, joshe, lachak) understands the importance of the way vardiyaan should be worn, and distinguishes their routine with respect to different segments (Khunda segment, saap segment, jhummar, dhamaal, phumaniyaan, mirza, jodiyaan, etc.) and appropriate music (live or recorded) selection. To me it does not matter if a "traditional" team dances live or on music as long the entire set follows certain elements. Now, the flaw in FTW's description is that they are labeling a traditional team as being "all live". That is a vague definition. According to your description, you are only going to have empire-esque teams (what I call "modern" teams) applying who do not base their choreo/music on a certain folk/bhangra elements. Also, can you explain your statement, "Points will be awarded for synchronization, formations, execution, stunts, and degree of difficulty as with all competitions." What kind of execution are you talking about? This could mean ANYTHING. Hip hop execution? "Bangra" execution? "Modern execution" (creating your own moves? doing jugni to a jhummar song)? And can you explain degree of difficulty? Are you referring to difficulty in choreo? Does a team have to have at least 16 count moves like they did 5 years ago or else the action isnt considered difficult? This has nothing to do with "bitching". This has everything to do with you trying to be innovative and being the FIRST competition that requires music with hip hop and "chart topping" hits. You have to elaborate. Teams already incorporate hip hop beats and bass in their mixes. What makes this competition "the first" of its kind? You wrote "There is a heavy emphasis on the quality, energy, and fluidity of the music and how well the routine fits the music." Isnt this what teams have been doing already? Isnt this why in the "team mixes" section of btf you have teams posting their mixes and ppl say WOW THAT WAS A SICK MIX!!!! What sets your competition apart from others? As of right now there is nothing. Your descriptions have bean vague and do not offer anything "new" to the circuit.

P.S. I know some of you are gonna jump on my sack and say "but bhangra is evolving BLAH BLAH BLAH". This is true, but there are aspects that will not change.

This should all be answered in the rubric. Any competition whether old or new..if they were to release a statement like this, you would have to wait for the rubric to get the answer to many of your questions...even then...competitions that have been around forever..still have terribly vague rubrics...its not the like the judges even read the rubric carefully as is evidence by some of the history of terrible placings..thats a whole other story...my point is...you can come at competition organizers from a whole slew of angles...I feel bad for them. The point of the elaboration on what they were looking for...was simply to "nicely" say...that they are looking for more modern teams...plain and simple. I don't understand why this organizer is being berated so heavily for their attempt at clarity...Many competitions...won't even let you see a finished scored rubric..let alone attempt to clarify what they were looking for before they started.

My point..give the organization a break.....damn...let them breathe...I feel like the fact that this comp came right out and said its looking for modern teams is actually the root of all the negative comments towards this competition...give the comp some credit for saying it flat out.

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Author Topic: NorCal Bhangra 2010 (Read 3136 times)

Bhangra Teams' Forum