Nanaimo Museum Crafternoon: Bhangra Saap & Khunda Dance

Name: Nanaimo Museum Crafternoon: Bhangra Saap & Khunda Dance
Start: 2026-05-09T13:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-05-09T14:00:00-07:00
Location: 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, British Columbia V9R 2X1

Schedule

Sat May 09 2026 at 01:00 pm to 02:00 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, British Columbia V9R 2X1 | Nanaimo, BC

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with Vancouver Island Bhangra and the Nanaimo Museum!
Join us for a high-energy Bhangra Saap & Khunda Dance Crafternoon led by Sukhi Sangha of Vancouver Island Bhangra! Presented in partnership with the Nanaimo Museum’s Crafternoon series, this vibrant workshop is a fun and engaging way to celebrate Asian Heritage Month through dance, music, and culture. This event is open to everyone!
Explore the rhythms and roots of Bhangra, a traditional folk dance from Punjab. You’ll learn foundational Bhangra steps and how to dance with two iconic props:
Saap: a rhythmic, folding wooden instrument that adds percussive energy and visual flair
Khunda: a long, decorative bamboo stick skillfully spun and maneuvered for dramatic effect.
Whether you’re new to Bhangra or have dance experience, this Crafternoon welcomes all skill levels and offers a joyful, culturally rich experience.
Open to ages 13 +. Space is limited - don’t miss your chance to dance, learn, and celebrate together!
Tickets cost $25/person, and pre-registration is required. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable to other dates or programs. A minimum of 4 participants is required for this program to proceed.

Instructor: Sukhi Sangha
Sukhi Sangha is a respected cultural leader, professional Bhangra artist, international dance adjudicator, and community educator with over two decades of experience in dance and cultural programming. Recognized for her contributions to Nanaimo's cultural landscape, she received the 2024 Honour in Culture Award from Local Government and was named one of Nanaimo's Women of Influence in Arts & Culture in 2025.
She is the Founder and President of Rang South Asian Arts and Culture Society, where she leads initiatives that celebrate, preserve, and share South Asian arts through performance, education, and community collaboration. Sukhi is also the founder of Vancouver Island Bhangra, and is known for her dynamic teaching style, cultural authenticity, and ability to create welcoming, inclusive spaces through dance.
Born and raised in North Delta, Sukhi has shared Bhangra on international stages and at grassroots cultural events alike, with her work spanning British Columbia and Europe. Through performances, adjudication, and fitness-based programming, she has inspired participants of all ages and backgrounds. Since relocating to Nanaimo in 2021, Sukhi has become a leading voice in South Asian arts on Vancouver Island. She serves as a volunteer board member with Crimson Coast Dance Society, supporting multicultural initiatives, and leads popular Bhangra fitness classes with the City of Nanaimo, where she blends traditional movement with accessible, joyful wellness practices.
Sukhi's performance career includes competing across North America with the Jawani Girls Bhangra Team and a featured solo performance on Poland's Got Talent. Deeply rooted in cultural pride and community connection, Sukhi continues to champion unity, representation, and the transformative power of dance through her teaching, adjudication, and leadership.