 Boston Bhangra - International Dance Competition

Boston Bhangra, North America’s largest independent Indian dance competition, has announced the teams for the 2025 competition. This vibrant celebration of Northern Indian dance and culture will feature eleven elite teams from across the United States and Canada. Many of these teams have been performing together for years, while others will take the stage for the first time in Boston. Each team will have one chance to wow the judges and take home the $2,500 grand prize on November 15, 2025. The 2025 competition includes a diverse group of teams, traveling hundreds and even thousands of miles to Boston to be crowned champion. The teams competing in the 2025 competition include: Apna Bhangra Crew (ABC)- Seattle, WA Formed in 2006, ABC features 12 dancers from various backgrounds to showcase their talent and love for bhangra. Apna Bhangra Crew brings a new flavor to the scene, incorporating a modern twist to their dance, while staying true to the traditional art form. The team's main focus is to entertain audiences all across North America and spread cultural awareness through their performances. ABC is a highly decorated team, including back-to-back wins at GHG Bhangra in 2024 and 2025.  Baaghi - Southern California Hailing from across Southern California, Baaghi is an electric group of dancers. Baaghi is one of the newest teams in the competition, but they have grown very quickly, and even performed at Coachella earlier this year.  Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Bhangra - Pittsburgh, PA For nearly 20 years, CMU Bhangra has spread awareness of Southeast Asian culture through dance in Pittsburgh and beyond. Former National Collegiate Champions, CMU Bhangra, is always a team to watch. Furteelay Shokeen - Detroit, MI Boston Bhangra’s defending champions, Furteelay Shokeen, are on a mission to share Punjabi culture with the world through performing arts and dance. Based in greater Detroit, Furteelay Shokeen combines acrobatics with traditional Bhangra moves for an electrifying performance. Khirre Phul Gulab De - North Carolina Khirre Phul Gulab De is a premier Bhangra team based in North Carolina, representing Carolina Indian Arts. Known for their high-energy choreography and vibrant storytelling, the group has earned recognition on the national bhangra circuit with standout performances at competitions like Bruin Bhangra and Bhangra at the Alamo. Combining traditional Punjabi folk dance with modern flair, Khirre Phul Gulab De showcases the spirit and evolution of Bhangra while proudly representing North Carolina’s South Asian arts community. Legacy - Toronto, Canada Legacy is a powerhouse team built of veteran Bhangra dancers. With deep roots in iconic Bhangra legacies, this team was formed to reignite the spirit and raw energy of the 2000s era. Legacy blends tradition with innovation, paying homage to old-school vibes while pushing boundaries with bold, contemporary choreography.  Putt Sardaraan De - California Putt Sardaraan De is a collective of the highest caliber of dancers that look, act, and identify as Singhs. This team looks to create a performance that is not only the most entertaining of the night, but also inspiring to the younger generation of dancers and set-creators. Their dancers come from all over the United States and offer a medley of dancing styles and experiences that will make this performance memorable for all members of the audience. Putt Sardaraan De cannot wait to debut on the Boston Bhangra Competition stage. Saanjhe - San Francisco, CA Bringing appreciation for the art of Bhangra in their united approach. Saanjhe represents one love for music, dance, and folk Punjabi culture with their tight-knit team. The name "Saanjhe," meaning "shared" or "together" in Punjabi, reflects the team's core values of collaboration, inclusivity, and cultural pride. Whether on stage or in the community, Saanjhe hopes to inspire audiences with every beat, step, and smile, honoring their heritage while pushing the boundaries of Bhangra as a folk art form.  The Raniyaan - Toronto The Raniyaan are an all-girls competitive Bhangra team hailing from Toronto, Canada. They strive to bring the most creative and innovative ideas to the stage while remaining fully intact with traditional bhangra.  Vakhri Taur Diyan (VTD) - Boston, MA Vakhri Taur Diyan is Boston University’s award-winning all-female competitive Bhangra dance team. Traditionally a male-dominated dance form, BU’s VTD works to empower women through movement, celebrate South Asian culture, and allow women to express their confidence on and off the dance floor. VTD embodies the energy, swag, and excitement of Bhangra! Virsa - New York, NY Virsa is a Folk Bhangra team based in New York, dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. Virsa showcases the joy and tradition of Bhangra, delivering high-energy performances that honor this lively and cherished dance form. About Bhangra and Boston Bhangra Bhangra is a beautiful, upbeat folk dance style from the state of Punjab in northern India. Dancers wear colorful outfits and move to heavily percussive Punjabi music. The performances are all highly choreographed, highly athletic, and highly fun to experience.  Originally founded as a dance team in 2000, Boston Bhangra has evolved into a non-profit dedicated to promoting cultural awareness through dance and music. The organization offers Bhangra classes, team performances, and promotes events that draw talent from all over the world, all while enriching Boston’s culture. Now in its 22nd year, the competition serves as the cornerstone of Boston Bhangra’s mission to celebrate the rich Punjabi culture.  The Boston Bhangra Competition is made possible thanks in part to the generous support of the Barr Foundation, Mirchi Nation Indian Kitchen, Mass Cultural Council, The Asian Community Fund, Masala Bay, Boston University Metropolitan College, Navina Wealth, SG Computers, Alankar Decor, Mera Sangeet, Nirvana Restaurant, India Quality, and Silk Restaurant.

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Boston Bhangra - International Dance Competition

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