pet peeves in bhangra

[campy614]

My biggest pet peeve: ignorance.

Lemme give an example. This one time I attended a team mixer, not saying where-when-or even if I was dancing, and some girl sitting 3 seats next to me associated with the competition says to a girl next to her-word for word-"Ugh that's AEG's f*king gora." I also remember going to another competition, not dancing-just watching, and an onlooker behind me turns to her girlfriends and says-again word for word-"Oh look a white guy. I guess they're trying to fill their quota."

Something I've learned and preached is to get tough skin, esp to new up-and-coming non punjabi dancers. As much as shoving your Rockports up someone's behind sounds like a good idea, it isn't (you'll damage your shoes). Forget about people being accepting because the sad reality is that they won't be. But you are not obligated to prove anything to anyone (even if your BTF-whore teammates claim you do), so it shouldn't be a worry on your mind. Do you. If you like dancing, what should you care about simple bitches? Let 'em hate.

Also, don't be afraid to be yourself. You don't have to pretend to be brown to gain acceptance. Practice hard and do well-THAT's how you gain acceptance. If you are like me and facial hair just doesn't work for you, there is no obligation to stand in front of a mirror for a half an hour and draw in a dari with eyeliner. However many years later and neither Joey nor I have ever even considered it.

Lastly, HAVE FUN! Isn't this the reason you got into this whole thing to begin with? If it isn't, then I think you're in it for the wrong reasons.

Wanna read something kind of interesting? You'd think Toronto-out of all places-would be the least accepting of some white kid like me dancing. The irony is that I've gotten the best feedback there-from judges, to audience members, to other competing teams. Too bad I can't say that about American (ironic point II). Too bad I can't say the same thing about New York, America's melting pot and my hometown (ironic point III). One of the examples I listed above did happen at a New York competition, but I'll keep which one to myself.

As a fellow Gora, I really appreciate your encouraging words. Hearing them from someone on a team like AEG gives me a lot of hope for the future of my team. We're a young team that has recently undergone some major changes and, while we are making huge improvements, sometimes it feels like we can never hope to break into the big leagues. I adore my team and I'll put in as many hours as we need to continue improving. I don't want to be treated differently because I'm white, because I don't feel differently. I love bhangra with more intensity and more fire than many Indians I know. It is my passion and no one can challenge my devotion to it and to my team. I don't want any "passes" for not being Indian. Hold me to the same standards, because I know I am more than capable of holding my own against even the fiercest Punjaban in the same way you have proven to be more than a match for any Punjabi Jodi.


Thanks again. At least for me, it means a lot for you to take the time out to say stuff like this
Brrraahhhhhhh!

What team are you on, and where are you from?

Also, everything comes with time. BELIEVE ME. We were rejected from 100 competitions before we finally received some attention. I think it wasn't until after Bhangra Fever and TBYF that people started looking in our direction, and that was a year and 8 months after the team started.

Also, the people holding you to the same standard will come with time as well. Being the white guy on a bhangra team is weird... too many emotions. Audiences will be nicer to you, but your teammates will be rough on you BECAUSE of the fact that the dance and the culture aren't native to you. They're taking a risk, and need you to be the one coming on top.

But if you have the drive, then you will succeed. If Joey, Scott, and I can do it, absolutely anyone can. Just take things in stride, be patient, and let things happen naturally. This is the time for you guys to not only build character and form, but to build your friendships. Enjoy it!

I'm here if you ever have any questions. Please don't be afraid to send me a PM, because I'd be more than willing to reply and help!

 

[Ashveer]

When teams come to comps unprepared, whether because of outfits, cleanliness, choreo memorization, mix, practice, etc.

 

[Waleed]

My biggest pet peeve: ignorance.

Lemme give an example. This one time I attended a team mixer, not saying where-when-or even if I was dancing, and some girl sitting 3 seats next to me associated with the competition says to a girl next to her-word for word-"Ugh that's AEG's f*king gora." I also remember going to another competition, not dancing-just watching, and an onlooker behind me turns to her girlfriends and says-again word for word-"Oh look a white guy. I guess they're trying to fill their quota."

Something I've learned and preached is to get tough skin, esp to new up-and-coming non punjabi dancers. As much as shoving your Rockports up someone's behind sounds like a good idea, it isn't (you'll damage your shoes). Forget about people being accepting because the sad reality is that they won't be. But you are not obligated to prove anything to anyone (even if your BTF-whore teammates claim you do), so it shouldn't be a worry on your mind. Do you. If you like dancing, what should you care about simple bitches? Let 'em hate.

Also, don't be afraid to be yourself. You don't have to pretend to be brown to gain acceptance. Practice hard and do well-THAT's how you gain acceptance. If you are like me and facial hair just doesn't work for you, there is no obligation to stand in front of a mirror for a half an hour and draw in a dari with eyeliner. However many years later and neither Joey nor I have ever even considered it.

Lastly, HAVE FUN! Isn't this the reason you got into this whole thing to begin with? If it isn't, then I think you're in it for the wrong reasons.

Wanna read something kind of interesting? You'd think Toronto-out of all places-would be the least accepting of some white kid like me dancing. The irony is that I've gotten the best feedback there-from judges, to audience members, to other competing teams. Too bad I can't say that about American (ironic point II). Too bad I can't say the same thing about New York, America's melting pot and my hometown (ironic point III). One of the examples I listed above did happen at a New York competition, but I'll keep which one to myself.

As a fellow Gora, I really appreciate your encouraging words. Hearing them from someone on a team like AEG gives me a lot of hope for the future of my team. We're a young team that has recently undergone some major changes and, while we are making huge improvements, sometimes it feels like we can never hope to break into the big leagues. I adore my team and I'll put in as many hours as we need to continue improving. I don't want to be treated differently because I'm white, because I don't feel differently. I love bhangra with more intensity and more fire than many Indians I know. It is my passion and no one can challenge my devotion to it and to my team. I don't want any "passes" for not being Indian. Hold me to the same standards, because I know I am more than capable of holding my own against even the fiercest Punjaban in the same way you have proven to be more than a match for any Punjabi Jodi.


Thanks again. At least for me, it means a lot for you to take the time out to say stuff like this
Brrraahhhhhhh!

What team are you on, and where are you from?

Also, everything comes with time. BELIEVE ME. We were rejected from 100 competitions before we finally received some attention. I think it wasn't until after Bhangra Fever and TBYF that people started looking in our direction, and that was a year and 8 months after the team started.

Also, the people holding you to the same standard will come with time as well. Being the white guy on a bhangra team is weird... too many emotions. Audiences will be nicer to you, but your teammates will be rough on you BECAUSE of the fact that the dance and the culture aren't native to you. They're taking a risk, and need you to be the one coming on top.

But if you have the drive, then you will succeed. If Joey, Scott, and I can do it, absolutely anyone can. Just take things in stride, be patient, and let things happen naturally. This is the time for you guys to not only build character and form, but to build your friendships. Enjoy it!

I'm here if you ever have any questions. Please don't be afraid to send me a PM, because I'd be more than willing to reply and help!

+1

 

[hsdeol]

it takes like 1 week to learn how to tie a decent pugh

1 week??? hmmmmmmm im pretty sure if you ask around, it took more than a week for the guys to learn properly

 

[faizan]

1 week with practice, should be enough time...it takes years to master, but just 1 week to learn enough to look decent...in 1 week you can practice dozens of times, i think 2 dozen pughs in 1 week can make you at least decent for sure...

our old captain learned to tie pughs in one weekend due to lack of pugh tiers...it's about how much work you care to put in...

 

[zagreus]

All guy teams still don't have adequate pugh tiers. I had 3 of my non-main pugh tiers breaking their thumbs at boston for several teams...these teams had no pugh tiers, and the ones that did, had pugh tiers who were not all that great. It's 2010, if you want a bhangra team, get a pugh tier...other teams will not bail you out forever...notice how shitty the pugh situation on stage was at boston and you'll see what i mean...it takes like 1 week to learn how to tie a decent pugh, no more excuses...it was surprising to see that many of the people who needed pugh help were prominent btf people...come on guys, it's time to figure it out on your own...

it sure takes time to learn, but sometimes you just gotta man up and do it. it is a shame that some teams don't have ANY pagg tier in general, and they really should address that. I do understand if some teams REALLY want the BEST paggan, and they'd bring in someone they know well, or willing to do it (I've seen Vic, Ricky D and Jaggi used this way), at the same time, i think the teams just need to learn and practice at it. I sure sucked when I started, and now i've gotten a bit better, and i'm content with it.

If you don't know how to do it properly, just ask around. it helps to know what people do, and I've learned some stuff from both Ricky and Vic, and that's helped quite a bit.

 

[Saab]

Teams and people that favor finding things to criticize rather than finding things to enjoy

 

[Love]

1 week with practice, should be enough time...it takes years to master, but just 1 week to learn enough to look decent...in 1 week you can practice dozens of times, i think 2 dozen pughs in 1 week can make you at least decent for sure...

our old captain learned to tie pughs in one weekend due to lack of pugh tiers...it's about how much work you care to put in...

+1
If you really stick to it, you can learn in time. I've been practicing for a week or two, although they don't look great, the paghs get better and better after every attempt

 

[Mojo]

My biggest pet peeve: ignorance.

Lemme give an example. This one time I attended a team mixer, not saying where-when-or even if I was dancing, and some girl sitting 3 seats next to me associated with the competition says to a girl next to her-word for word-"Ugh that's AEG's f*king gora." I also remember going to another competition, not dancing-just watching, and an onlooker behind me turns to her girlfriends and says-again word for word-"Oh look a white guy. I guess they're trying to fill their quota."

Something I've learned and preached is to get tough skin, esp to new up-and-coming non punjabi dancers. As much as shoving your Rockports up someone's behind sounds like a good idea, it isn't (you'll damage your shoes). Forget about people being accepting because the sad reality is that they won't be. But you are not obligated to prove anything to anyone (even if your BTF-whore teammates claim you do), so it shouldn't be a worry on your mind. Do you. If you like dancing, what should you care about simple bitches? Let 'em hate.

Also, don't be afraid to be yourself. You don't have to pretend to be brown to gain acceptance. Practice hard and do well-THAT's how you gain acceptance. If you are like me and facial hair just doesn't work for you, there is no obligation to stand in front of a mirror for a half an hour and draw in a dari with eyeliner. However many years later and neither Joey nor I have ever even considered it.

Lastly, HAVE FUN! Isn't this the reason you got into this whole thing to begin with? If it isn't, then I think you're in it for the wrong reasons.

Wanna read something kind of interesting? You'd think Toronto-out of all places-would be the least accepting of some white kid like me dancing. The irony is that I've gotten the best feedback there-from judges, to audience members, to other competing teams. Too bad I can't say that about American (ironic point II). Too bad I can't say the same thing about New York, America's melting pot and my hometown (ironic point III). One of the examples I listed above did happen at a New York competition, but I'll keep which one to myself.

As a fellow Gora, I really appreciate your encouraging words. Hearing them from someone on a team like AEG gives me a lot of hope for the future of my team. We're a young team that has recently undergone some major changes and, while we are making huge improvements, sometimes it feels like we can never hope to break into the big leagues. I adore my team and I'll put in as many hours as we need to continue improving. I don't want to be treated differently because I'm white, because I don't feel differently. I love bhangra with more intensity and more fire than many Indians I know. It is my passion and no one can challenge my devotion to it and to my team. I don't want any "passes" for not being Indian. Hold me to the same standards, because I know I am more than capable of holding my own against even the fiercest Punjaban in the same way you have proven to be more than a match for any Punjabi Jodi.


Thanks again. At least for me, it means a lot for you to take the time out to say stuff like this
Brrraahhhhhhh!

What team are you on, and where are you from?

Also, everything comes with time. BELIEVE ME. We were rejected from 100 competitions before we finally received some attention. I think it wasn't until after Bhangra Fever and TBYF that people started looking in our direction, and that was a year and 8 months after the team started.

Also, the people holding you to the same standard will come with time as well. Being the white guy on a bhangra team is weird... too many emotions. Audiences will be nicer to you, but your teammates will be rough on you BECAUSE of the fact that the dance and the culture aren't native to you. They're taking a risk, and need you to be the one coming on top.

But if you have the drive, then you will succeed. If Joey, Scott, and I can do it, absolutely anyone can. Just take things in stride, be patient, and let things happen naturally. This is the time for you guys to not only build character and form, but to build your friendships. Enjoy it!

I'm here if you ever have any questions. Please don't be afraid to send me a PM, because I'd be more than willing to reply and help!

William&Mary Dhamaal from Williamsburg, VA.


How exactly do you give Karma? Because this last post definitely deserves some. Thanks again. I'll make sure to PM you if anything comes up

 

[Jagga515]

i need to make a pagg tying tutorial video in ENGLISH with both front and side turlas, and problems you can face with both. anyone want to volunteer and be my test subject?

 

[Gurbir23]

My biggest pet peeve: ignorance.

Lemme give an example. This one time I attended a team mixer, not saying where-when-or even if I was dancing, and some girl sitting 3 seats next to me associated with the competition says to a girl next to her-word for word-"Ugh that's AEG's f*king gora." I also remember going to another competition, not dancing-just watching, and an onlooker behind me turns to her girlfriends and says-again word for word-"Oh look a white guy. I guess they're trying to fill their quota."

Something I've learned and preached is to get tough skin, esp to new up-and-coming non punjabi dancers. As much as shoving your Rockports up someone's behind sounds like a good idea, it isn't (you'll damage your shoes). Forget about people being accepting because the sad reality is that they won't be. But you are not obligated to prove anything to anyone (even if your BTF-whore teammates claim you do), so it shouldn't be a worry on your mind. Do you. If you like dancing, what should you care about simple bitches? Let 'em hate.

Also, don't be afraid to be yourself. You don't have to pretend to be brown to gain acceptance. Practice hard and do well-THAT's how you gain acceptance. If you are like me and facial hair just doesn't work for you, there is no obligation to stand in front of a mirror for a half an hour and draw in a dari with eyeliner. However many years later and neither Joey nor I have ever even considered it.

Lastly, HAVE FUN! Isn't this the reason you got into this whole thing to begin with? If it isn't, then I think you're in it for the wrong reasons.

Wanna read something kind of interesting? You'd think Toronto-out of all places-would be the least accepting of some white kid like me dancing. The irony is that I've gotten the best feedback there-from judges, to audience members, to other competing teams. Too bad I can't say that about American (ironic point II). Too bad I can't say the same thing about New York, America's melting pot and my hometown (ironic point III). One of the examples I listed above did happen at a New York competition, but I'll keep which one to myself.

As a fellow Gora, I really appreciate your encouraging words. Hearing them from someone on a team like AEG gives me a lot of hope for the future of my team. We're a young team that has recently undergone some major changes and, while we are making huge improvements, sometimes it feels like we can never hope to break into the big leagues. I adore my team and I'll put in as many hours as we need to continue improving. I don't want to be treated differently because I'm white, because I don't feel differently. I love bhangra with more intensity and more fire than many Indians I know. It is my passion and no one can challenge my devotion to it and to my team. I don't want any "passes" for not being Indian. Hold me to the same standards, because I know I am more than capable of holding my own against even the fiercest Punjaban in the same way you have proven to be more than a match for any Punjabi Jodi.


Thanks again. At least for me, it means a lot for you to take the time out to say stuff like this
Brrraahhhhhhh!

What team are you on, and where are you from?

Also, everything comes with time. BELIEVE ME. We were rejected from 100 competitions before we finally received some attention. I think it wasn't until after Bhangra Fever and TBYF that people started looking in our direction, and that was a year and 8 months after the team started.

Also, the people holding you to the same standard will come with time as well. Being the white guy on a bhangra team is weird... too many emotions. Audiences will be nicer to you, but your teammates will be rough on you BECAUSE of the fact that the dance and the culture aren't native to you. They're taking a risk, and need you to be the one coming on top.

But if you have the drive, then you will succeed. If Joey, Scott, and I can do it, absolutely anyone can. Just take things in stride, be patient, and let things happen naturally. This is the time for you guys to not only build character and form, but to build your friendships. Enjoy it!

I'm here if you ever have any questions. Please don't be afraid to send me a PM, because I'd be more than willing to reply and help!

William&Mary Dhamaal from Williamsburg, VA.


How exactly do you give Karma? Because this last post definitely deserves some. Thanks again. I'll make sure to PM you if anything comes up

wait is that your team name, or is your last name dhamaal....cus if its your last name....thats wicked!.....then you really WERE born to do bhangra lol

 

[psoni1]

1 week with practice, should be enough time...it takes years to master, but just 1 week to learn enough to look decent...in 1 week you can practice dozens of times, i think 2 dozen pughs in 1 week can make you at least decent for sure...

our old captain learned to tie pughs in one weekend due to lack of pugh tiers...it's about how much work you care to put in...

i agree...we used to rely on a friend to tie our paghs but realized it became a problem at competitions...i watched videos and learned the basics in one night and now i can tie 6 pretty decent paghs in abt an hr...its definitely do-able for anyone with some practice and patience

 

[Mojo]

My biggest pet peeve: ignorance.

Lemme give an example. This one time I attended a team mixer, not saying where-when-or even if I was dancing, and some girl sitting 3 seats next to me associated with the competition says to a girl next to her-word for word-"Ugh that's AEG's f*king gora." I also remember going to another competition, not dancing-just watching, and an onlooker behind me turns to her girlfriends and says-again word for word-"Oh look a white guy. I guess they're trying to fill their quota."

Something I've learned and preached is to get tough skin, esp to new up-and-coming non punjabi dancers. As much as shoving your Rockports up someone's behind sounds like a good idea, it isn't (you'll damage your shoes). Forget about people being accepting because the sad reality is that they won't be. But you are not obligated to prove anything to anyone (even if your BTF-whore teammates claim you do), so it shouldn't be a worry on your mind. Do you. If you like dancing, what should you care about simple bitches? Let 'em hate.

Also, don't be afraid to be yourself. You don't have to pretend to be brown to gain acceptance. Practice hard and do well-THAT's how you gain acceptance. If you are like me and facial hair just doesn't work for you, there is no obligation to stand in front of a mirror for a half an hour and draw in a dari with eyeliner. However many years later and neither Joey nor I have ever even considered it.

Lastly, HAVE FUN! Isn't this the reason you got into this whole thing to begin with? If it isn't, then I think you're in it for the wrong reasons.

Wanna read something kind of interesting? You'd think Toronto-out of all places-would be the least accepting of some white kid like me dancing. The irony is that I've gotten the best feedback there-from judges, to audience members, to other competing teams. Too bad I can't say that about American (ironic point II). Too bad I can't say the same thing about New York, America's melting pot and my hometown (ironic point III). One of the examples I listed above did happen at a New York competition, but I'll keep which one to myself.

As a fellow Gora, I really appreciate your encouraging words. Hearing them from someone on a team like AEG gives me a lot of hope for the future of my team. We're a young team that has recently undergone some major changes and, while we are making huge improvements, sometimes it feels like we can never hope to break into the big leagues. I adore my team and I'll put in as many hours as we need to continue improving. I don't want to be treated differently because I'm white, because I don't feel differently. I love bhangra with more intensity and more fire than many Indians I know. It is my passion and no one can challenge my devotion to it and to my team. I don't want any "passes" for not being Indian. Hold me to the same standards, because I know I am more than capable of holding my own against even the fiercest Punjaban in the same way you have proven to be more than a match for any Punjabi Jodi.


Thanks again. At least for me, it means a lot for you to take the time out to say stuff like this
Brrraahhhhhhh!

What team are you on, and where are you from?

Also, everything comes with time. BELIEVE ME. We were rejected from 100 competitions before we finally received some attention. I think it wasn't until after Bhangra Fever and TBYF that people started looking in our direction, and that was a year and 8 months after the team started.

Also, the people holding you to the same standard will come with time as well. Being the white guy on a bhangra team is weird... too many emotions. Audiences will be nicer to you, but your teammates will be rough on you BECAUSE of the fact that the dance and the culture aren't native to you. They're taking a risk, and need you to be the one coming on top.

But if you have the drive, then you will succeed. If Joey, Scott, and I can do it, absolutely anyone can. Just take things in stride, be patient, and let things happen naturally. This is the time for you guys to not only build character and form, but to build your friendships. Enjoy it!

I'm here if you ever have any questions. Please don't be afraid to send me a PM, because I'd be more than willing to reply and help!

William&Mary Dhamaal from Williamsburg, VA.


How exactly do you give Karma? Because this last post definitely deserves some. Thanks again. I'll make sure to PM you if anything comes up

wait is that your team name, or is your last name dhamaal....cus if its your last name....thats wicked!.....then you really WERE born to do bhangra lol

Haha no, that is our team name. We're from The College of William&Mary and Dhamaal is our team name.


Now, if there really were people name William Dhamaal and Mary Dhamaal, that would ridic.

 

[-Dav-]

unnecessary head shaking and form!!

 

[hsdeol]

1 week with practice, should be enough time...it takes years to master, but just 1 week to learn enough to look decent...in 1 week you can practice dozens of times, i think 2 dozen pughs in 1 week can make you at least decent for sure...

our old captain learned to tie pughs in one weekend due to lack of pugh tiers...it's about how much work you care to put in...

i agree...we used to rely on a friend to tie our paghs but realized it became a problem at competitions...i watched videos and learned the basics in one night and now i can tie 6 pretty decent paghs in abt an hr...its definitely do-able for anyone with some practice and patience

did you by any chance tie the BB paghs at muqabla 2009 or 2010?

 

[psoni1]

1 week with practice, should be enough time...it takes years to master, but just 1 week to learn enough to look decent...in 1 week you can practice dozens of times, i think 2 dozen pughs in 1 week can make you at least decent for sure...

our old captain learned to tie pughs in one weekend due to lack of pugh tiers...it's about how much work you care to put in...

i agree...we used to rely on a friend to tie our paghs but realized it became a problem at competitions...i watched videos and learned the basics in one night and now i can tie 6 pretty decent paghs in abt an hr...its definitely do-able for anyone with some practice and patience

did you by any chance tie the BB paghs at muqabla 2009 or 2010?

lol yup

 

[smehta]

no one dances with their shoulders these days, everybody just uses their arms and hands.

 

[Kush]

no one dances with their shoulders these days, everybody just uses their arms and hands.

+10993459864.

What happened to move execution? now its all about formations.

 

[Jattstar]

wearing glasses during the performance! buy some goddamn daily contacts ppl!

 

[zagreus]

wearing glasses during the performance! buy some goddamn daily contacts ppl!

there are people in the world that are unable to wear contacts...
so clearly, they have NO choice.