 
Chicago: Bhangra X-Plosion, a Bhangra troupe representing Chicago,
and sponsored by Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago, captured the
first place title of "2002 North American Bhangra Champions" on last
Friday night, January 25th, at State Theater in Detroit, Michigan , at
the third annual professional Bhangra Fusion dance competition.
Click here:
http://www.bhangrafusion.net/ Bhangra X-Plosion team consisted of
students from four major Universities from Chicago area, and young
professionals. The troupe represents some of Chicago's finest dancers
and performers. Their presentation began with a stunning skyline of
Chicago, glowing in the dark across the entire stage, suddenly faded
into a rural village of Punjab as the troupe recreated a contemporary
atmosphere with a dramatic light show, subsequently juxtaposed to a
rural setting as the dancers emerged in their flashy colorful costumes
and energetic movements to the romantic rhythem of Bhangra music
beats.
Besides Chicago the competing Teams came from all over North
America, including troupes from Toronto, Cornell University NY,
Washington University St. Louis, Michigan State University, Univ. of
Michigan, Wayne State University, Boston, New Jersey Institute of
Technology, and MIT, all competing for a $2000 grand prize and the
renowned title of 2002 North American Bhangra Champions.
This was the first time a team represented Chicago at a national
competition, and this past Friday, pulled off a stunning upset,
capturing the championship crown. Members of the troupe have
participated in numerous charity benefits, regional events, and
cultural programs through the city of Chicago but this was the first
collaborative effort to join hands in an effort to bring home an
international title. Second place was Cornell Bhangra from NY, Third
place was Noor-E-Punjab-MIT Boston. A special Award "Most Traditional
Performance" was won by " Jerzey Sher"
Chicago' s Bhangra X-Plosion team members are Dhruba Bhattacharya
(Captain) , Jay Bhatt, Ohm Srinivasan, Nikhil Trivedi, Ed Hosono,
Sukhraj Basati, Vik Saini, Ankur Rajput, Hena Arora, Drishpreet Singh,
Monali Patel, Deepali Patel, Carina Hira, Roma Patel, Puja Wadehra,
Anita Chatterjee, Dholi Maninder Singh, Tumbi-wali Taruna Ralhan,
glowstick specialist Anson Kuriakose, and Tabla artist Kuntal Rana.
Ms. Drishnpreet K. Singh was the only female who played the world
famous Dhol on the most popular song "Dhol Jageero Da".
PCS officials Mr. Thakar Singh Basati and Mr. Mohinderjit Singh
Saini helped in costumes dress up and applauded and joined the team
during championship crowning ceremony and celebration at the elegant
State Theater in Detroit feeling very proud Chicagoans.
" Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS), is the proud sponsor
of the Championship Bhangra troupe , and congratulate Bhangra troupe
on their marvelous achievement ," said Bhagwant Singh Sandhu, the PCS
president . " PCS worked hand in hand with Team Captain Dhruba
Bhattacharya in the presentation of their act, and also provided
support with respect to stage scenery, props, and costumes," said
Mohinderjit Singh Saini. " The Bhangra troupe is honored to represent
the city it is so proud of and looks forward to enjoying its' reign as
the undisputed 2002 North American Bhangra Champions ," said team
captain Dhruba Bhattacharya.
Bhangra X-Plosion troupe will also perform at Chicagoland's best
cultural variety program "Rangla Punjab 2002" scheduled to be held on
Sat. March 30, 2002 at Gateway Theater in Chicago, organized by
Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago. Click here:
http://www.pcschicago.org/rp/index.htm
For more info about upcoming events, performances, or general info,
please contact Bhangra X-Plosion Team Captain, Mr. Dhruba Bhattacharya
at dmystico@hotmail.com |
