Dear BTF Community,
Having long been a part of the bhangra scene, certain members of the Desi Dhamaka committee wanted to change how judges were chosen, and wanted to represent the shift in the current bhangra scene. For as long as competitions have occurred, there always seems to be a judges' champion, and then a separate people's champion. With our judging rubric (included in the registration packet attached in the initial post) and judging panel, we hope to unite these and have a universally agreed upon result. Teams will have an opportunity to get face to face feedback from the judges explaining their decisions after the competition. We are proud to announce the judges for Desi Dhamaka 2009; we hope that all interested teams are as pleased with these choices as we are excited to host them in Albany.
Saleem A. Malkana
Saleem A. Malkana has been a part of the competitive bhangra circuit since 2002. Dancing from 2002-2006, he became Captain of the well-recognized Cornell Bhangra team, which also hosts the annual Pao Bhangra exhibition in Ithaca, NY. Having competed and placed in a range of competitions in the US and Canada, he fully understands the dynamics of these competitions and their judging. In April 2008, Saleem founded BhangraTeamsForum.com, an online discussion forum and meetingplace for the North American bhangra community. He serves as Chief Officer/Administrator on the site, home to over 1,000 registered members and 9,000 visits each week, giving him perspective on current bhangra discussion, trends, and standards.
Hans Singh Sahni
Hans Singh Sahni is a recent graduate of Columbia University, where he was the co-captain of Columbia Bhangra from 2005-2008 and led the team to 4 competition placings. His bhangra experience includes competing in some of North America's largest and most well-known competitions, including Bruin Bhangra, VIBC, Boston Bhangra, Bhangra Blowout, and South Beach Bhangra, and also dancing on other teams such as Phulorida Bhangra and NYBD. Notably, he has shaken hands with the legendary Punjabi singers Malkit Singh, Lehmber Hussainpuri, and, his personal favorite, Sukhbir (of "Oh ho ho ho" fame), who all told him that he was quite a nice fellow. Hans has dedicated much of his time to introducing the dance to new audiences through his unique creative vision and is excited to have the opportunity to continue his participation in the bhangra community as a competition judge.
Pashi Singh Malik
Pashi Singh Malik is active in organizing Punjabi cultural programs in the New Jersey area as well as Bhangra events at the University. He has taught Dhol and Bhangra at all levels, with students. Pashi has been performing Bhangra and playing the Dhol since the age of 14, starting in school and continuing through college and university. He has also studied under Madan Madi - Dhol Master- who has performed with famous Punjabi artists around the globe including Jazzy B and Hans Raj Hans. Pashi has performed at numerous places including Bruin Bhangra, South Beach Bhangra, Bhangra Blowout, The Bhangra Project, Boston Bhangra, The Best of the Best competition(s), Punjabi melas, and Asian Heritage Festivals. Pashi not only performs but also arranges the music and choreographs Bhangra. Some performed on playback, and others are set on live Dhol and 'Bolis.' Pashi is actively involved in teaching students about the history of Bhangra and the main steps in Bhangra and how to execute them, including Dhamaal, Jugni, Luddi, Sammi, Sialkoti, Phumaninan, Mirza, Jhumar, etc. at his workshops and seminars. He has led his team to place at 7 national competitions including: Bhangra Blowout, Bhangra in the Burgh, South Beach Bhangra, and Naachvention. Pashi has used his vast knowledge of Bhangra to teach students of all ages and enjoys his active involvement in Bhangra events and continues to share his passion with the Punjabi community.
Thanks to all the teams that have expressed interest so far and have submitted registration packets. Remember, early registration ends in two weeks; preference will be given to teams who have applied early. We look forward to seeing everyone for what is shaping up to be a great bhangra competition!
Sincerely,
Desi Dhamaka Committee
desidhamakany@yahoo.com
