The Joshiley Bhangra troupe on stage in a dance performance at Harmony Fest! 2024
In search of a home away from home as she pursued her tertiary studies at University College London in the United Kingdom, Simranpal Kaur found it in the thunderous beat of the dhol, the swirl of vibrant dupattas, and the infectious energy of Bhangra — a dance form that not only connected her to her Punjabi roots, but also to a tight-knit community.
“I was always captivated by the energy and vibrancy of Bhangra — whether watching live performances or videos online, the joy and spirit of the dance really spoke to me. I discovered the university’s Bhangra team and took the opportunity to try it for myself. Being away from home, I was also looking for a community, and through Bhangra, I found one,” the 29-year-old who works in the aviation industry shared.
Simranpal Kaur in a UK dance competition
Finding Belonging Through Dance
“Joining a Bhangra team in the UK was one of the best decisions I made. It gave me a supportive community of like-minded individuals who shared a passion for Punjabi culture and dance. It also provided a sense of belonging, which was invaluable while living far from home,” she added.
Simranpal’s time with the university’s Bhangra team became a highlight of her student life, giving her the chance to compete in major events like The Bhangra Showdown and Capital Bhangra, as well as perform in several university-wide dance showcases.
But after graduating and returning to Singapore just before the COVID-19 pandemic, she found herself missing the stage — and the sense of community that came with dancing. That changed in 2022, when she joined the Joshiley Bhangra Troupe, a dynamic team of 20 active members who reignited her passion for the art form.
“(I found Joshiley) through word of mouth - the Bhangra community here is close-knit, and after reaching out to a few dancers, I was warmly welcomed into Joshiley Bhangra,” she said.
The Joshiley Bhangra troupe posing for a photo at the OCBC Square
Beyond the Spotlight
Her involvement with the troupe extends beyond performing. She also helps organise competitions and workshops for the wider community.
While she admits that coordinating international teams, judges, and managing a full-scale event comes with its share of logistical hurdles, she finds it incredibly fulfilling. “It’s about giving local dancers a platform to perform alongside top teams from the region,” she said — all while putting Singapore firmly on the regional Bhangra map.
The Joshiley Bhangra troupe receiving an award
Passion, Performance, and Purpose
As for troupe mate Rajbir Singh, his journey with Bhangra began in 2016, when “the energy and rhythm of Bhangra caught my attention”.
He joined Joshiley shortly after and looks back fondly on those early days, from competing at the Red Dot Bhangra Competition in 2018 and 2019 to the camaraderie built during regular training sessions.
“(Bhangra is) a fun form of expression, and also an exercise. It keeps me connected to my roots and brings me closer to the community, all whilst giving me an enjoyable way to keep fit,” the 25-year-old graduate associate said.
Joshiley Bhangra captivating the audience with their acrobatic stunts show
His passion for competing also took him abroad — in 2019, he travelled to Sydney to take part in Bhangra Down Under with SWAT Bhangra, a team made up of dancers from various Singapore-based Bhangra groups.
“Competitions pushed me to grow as a performer, sharpened my technique, and deepened my love for the art. Competitions definitely strengthened my teamwork and communication skills too,” he said, adding that the energy and support from the crowd also motivate him to compete.
With Harmony Fest! '25 looming on the horizon, Rajbir is raring to go.
“I’m excited to showcase Bhangra on a national platform and contribute to a celebration of culture and unity,” he said. “(Events like Harmony Fest!) are lively, inclusive, and bring people together. Bhangra is all about joy and shared celebration, perfect for a festival like this.”
“Every time we perform at public or multicultural events, we see people of all backgrounds vibing to the beat. It just naturally connects us all.”
A dazzling display of tradition and rhythm — Simranpal Kaur with dancers in vibrant attire light up the stage with a spirited cultural performance
A Platform for Female Dancers
For Simranpal, the only female dancer on the performing team at Harmony Fest! '25, she feels a strong sense of pride in representing the local Bhangra community.
“Harmony Fest is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Bhangra and spread awareness about this aspect of our Punjabi culture to our Singaporean audiences. Personally, it means a lot to be able to represent female dancers at this level — to show that Bhangra is for everyone and that women can perform it at the same level as men, and to hopefully inspire more females to pick up Bhangra,” she said.
Through her experience conducting workshops to empower and encourage female dancers, Simranpal has observed a growing momentum of women embracing the dance form and making their presence felt in the Bhangra community.
“It’s so exciting to see more women stepping forward to learn and perform Bhangra. I’d love to see more female dancers taking leadership roles in the community in the coming years,” she added.
Joshiley bhangra interacting and teaching the audience members some bhangra moves
A Celebration of Unity
Having deepened her connection to her Punjabi roots through Bhangra, Simranpal now hopes to “share the joy and vibrancy of Punjabi culture with diverse audiences.”
“Through our interaction segment, we also want to highlight that Bhangra is an inclusive and welcoming art form — one that anyone can participate in, regardless of background,” she said. “It’s amazing to see people from all walks of life dancing Bhangra together. These moments really highlight how Bhangra can break barriers, bring people together, and create shared experiences — all through the simple idea of having a good time and celebrating together.”
If you want to experience the vibrant energy of Bhangra firsthand, create shared memories, and celebrate different cultures, don’t miss the Joshiley Bhangra Troupe’s performance at Harmony Fest! '25. Join us at the OCBC Square on 5th and 6th July from 10am to 4pm for a fun-filled experience where everyone is welcome to learn more about this dynamic art form and dance together in the spirit of joy and inclusivity.
