Breathing new life into tradition.
By: Ayush Madan
From the precise and elegant movements of Kathak, Odissi, and Bharatnatyam; to the explosive energy of Bhangra and Garba, India’s range of dance is unparalleled. Each dance has its own corresponding outfit, spanning traditional saris, kurta-pyjamas, and ghaghara-cholis, each representing the individual culture’s unique expression of tradition and artistry. Today’s modern dancescape features a collection of groups who have reinvigorated interest in traditional Indian dance by incorporating elements of funk, hip-hop, and breakdancing into their routine. This has allowed these troupes to spread their love for traditional dance far and wide, and propelled them to new heights of fame. Here are a few that we suggest you check out and support!
B UNIQUE
Making their TV debut in 2018 on the fourth season of India’s Dance Plus (2015-), this all-male dance crew from Jodhpur burst onto the scene with their impeccably-coordinated and synchronous moves incorporating elements of Bollywood, contemporary dance, hip-hop, and even Indian classical dances like Bharatnatyam. B Unique is comprised of members Jitu Kadela, Raaj Joshi, Rajat Soni and Rahul Acharya, who dress themselves in colourful embroidered lehengas and cholis, with modern embellishments. Armed with vibrant bedazzled outfits and their distinctive style, the group quickly gained acclaim from Bollywood veterans like Shilpa Shetty and Madhuri Dixit, solidifying them as a force to be reckoned with. Since their tenure on Dance Plus, the group has performed in competitions around the world including India’s Got Talent (2009-), Spain’s Got Talent: All-Stars (2023), and Romania’s Golden Buzzer (2011-). Make sure to watch out for their signature move, the ‘Face Turn.’
Instagram: @b_unique_crew
YouTube: @BUniqueCrew
Quick Style
Busting onto the scene in Oslo, Norway, Norwegian-Pakistani twins Bilal and Suleman Malik and their childhood friend from Thailand Nasir Sirikhan came together as Quick Style – a dance group known for their animated, energetic, and synergistic blend of modern hip-hop and breakdancing, injected with Eastern flavour. The trio developed a kinship at a young age, spending time at youth clubs where they eventually found their love for dance. In 2006, they formed Quick Style, and started competing in local competitions, later winning Norway’s Got Talent (2008-) in 2009. Brands like Samsung, Red Bull, and Nike took notice and began featuring the group in ad campaigns, catapulting Quick Style to worldwide acclaim. The founders of the group have since also been brought on by Big Hit Music to choreograph music videos for the imminently-popular Korean boyband, BTS. Yet perhaps the peak of their virality was 20 June, 2022, when a performance from Suleman’s wedding was posted to TheQuickStyle YouTube channel. This video, which has since garnered 118 million views on YouTube – with millions more on TikTok – features classic Bollywood numbers like “Chura Ke Dil Mera” and “Kala Chashma”. Now 15 years into their dance journey, the trio has opened dance studios in Norway and Korea, teaching a whole new generation of dancers their signature brand of hip-hop inspired by Bollywood.
TikTok: @thequickstylee
YouTube: @TheQuickStyle
Bhangra Empire
Since its inception in 2006 in the Bay Area, California, Bhangra Empire has been on a mission to bring Punjabi folk dance to the mainstream stage. Started by a group of friends who wanted to preserve and promote their Punjabi heritage, Bhangra Empire has grown into a global phenomenon and continues to perform, teach, and spread the love of Bhangra. The co-ed dance group’s iconic style is rooted in traditional Bhangra and Giddha moves choreographed to Punjabi and hip-hop song mashups; and they’re known for their high energy, dynamic footwork, and engaging group formations. All dancers are dressed in vibrant kurta-pyjamas, with the male dancers also donning colourful pagris. From lighting up the NBA halftime show for the Golden State Warriors for eight consecutive years, to showcasing their routine on America’s Got Talent (2006- ) Season 5, gracing the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, and performing at The White House during President Obama’s term, it’s safe to say the creators succeeded in their mission to bring Bhangra to the masses.
Instagram: @bhangraempire
YouTube: @BhangraEmpire
B-Funk (Bhangra Funk)
Shivani Bhagwan and Chaya Kumar have cemented their place in dance legacy with B-funk – the duo’s innovative dance project fusing familiar elements of Punjabi mutiyaran, knee slaps, and sidesteps seen in Bhangra, with the body rolls and body isolation movements of funk and soul dance. This combination allows the duo to strike a harmonious balance between rich tradition and the fresh modern execution that is quintessentially theirs, which has taken the dance world by storm. Recently having taken on choreographing duties for the first season of the Disney+ show Ms. Marvel (2022-), the pair have a long list of collaborations since their launch in the early 2010s, including co-signs from Diljit Dosanjh and Arjun Kapoor. Recording out of their dance studio in LA, the pair launched their online BFUNK dance catalogue during lockdown featuring five different dance courses: Beginner Bhangra, Intro to Hip-Hop, Intro to Kathak, Bhangra Funk routines, and BollyFunk routines. These online tutorials and viral videos have amassed them hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and over two million subscribers on YouTube. Their comprehensive courses can be followed along from the comfort of your own home, and costs USD 20 monthly for full access at www.bfunkdance.com.
Instagram: @bfunk
YouTube: @BFunkDance
