We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amandeep Sidhu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amandeep , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

From a very young age, I felt a deep connection with creativity and expression. Growing up in the vibrant culture of Punjab, I was surrounded by music, dance, Kabaddi, and the joy of community celebrations. However, the moment I truly knew I wanted to pursue an artistic path professionally was when I witnessed the power of Bhangra to bring people together.

One pivotal moment stands out in my memory. During a college event at Ramgarhia Polytechnic in 1996, I performed Bhangra with a group of friends at the annual function. The energy in the audience was electrifying. Seeing their faces light up with pride and joy as we performed deeply moved me. After the performance, our coach and a few teachers came up to me, placed a hand on my shoulder, and said, “You have a gift. Never let it go to waste.” Their words planted a seed of possibility in my heart—could this passion for dance become something bigger than just a hobby?

At the time, I was heavily involved in Kabaddi as the captain of my college’s National Style team, dedicating much of my time to sports and studies. Life kept me busy, but my heart always lingered on that moment on stage. It wasn’t until a major bike accident left me with a severe arm injury that my focus shifted. Unable to continue playing Kabaddi, I turned my attention to dance.

In 1998, I attended Bhangra team trials at Ramgarhia College. More than 50-70 dancers were competing for a spot, and I decided to give it my best. To my surprise, the next day, the drummer and Bhangra coach called me to say, “You danced exceptionally well, and we’d like to include you in our team of 12 best dancers.” That year, we competed in the Zonal Festival at DAV College, Jalandhar, where we earned third place. Later, at Sikh National College, Kartarpur, we secured second place at the All India Dance Festival. Each success deepened my passion for Bhangra, and my journey in dance began to take shape.

However, due to financial challenges, I made the difficult decision to migrate to Canada. Moving to Calgary presented new opportunities but also came with the challenge of preserving my cultural roots. Years later, in 2012, I realized the need to create something that could help promote Punjabi culture in Calgary. That’s when I founded Young Bhangra—a dance school dedicated to preserving and sharing Punjabi folk traditions.

Young Bhangra wasn’t just about teaching dance; it became a platform to celebrate culture, build confidence in youth, and foster a sense of community. Starting the school wasn’t easy. Balancing family responsibilities, finances, and learning how to run a business was a steep learning curve. But every time I saw a child perform with pride or heard a parent share how Bhangra had brought their family closer, I was reminded of why I started.

Looking back, I can trace it all back to that moment during the college annual function. It wasn’t just a performance—it was the beginning of a realization that art has the power to connect, heal, and inspire. That realization has guided me ever since.

Amandeep , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story! My name is Amandeep, and I’m the founder of Young Bhangra, a dance school based in Calgary, Alberta. Established in 2012, Young Bhangra is dedicated to preserving and sharing the vibrant art of Punjabi folk dance, particularly Bhangra. For over 12 years, I’ve been teaching Bhangra, connecting people of all ages to its joy and the cultural richness it embodies.

How I Got Started

Growing up in Punjab, I was surrounded by a rich culture of music, dance, Kabaddi, and community celebrations. Dance was always a significant part of my life, but it wasn’t until my college days that I realized its power to unite people and create something meaningful.

After moving to Calgary, I saw how cultural identity could sometimes fade amidst the hustle of starting a new life. I felt a strong need to create something impactful that could bring Punjabi traditions to the forefront while connecting kids, youth, and adults to a healthy lifestyle. I also wanted to provide a positive outlet that steers people away from negative habits. This realization led to the founding of Young Bhangra—a platform not just for dance but for fostering cultural pride, unity, and well-being.

What We Offer

At Young Bhangra, we provide a variety of programs and experiences:

Bhangra Classes: Catering to children, youth, and adults of all skill levels—from beginners to advanced. Classes are currently offered in Calgary and Chestermere.
Workshops and Performances: We collaborate with elementary and high schools, community organizations, companies, and the City of Calgary to deliver interactive workshops and high-energy performances.
Cultural Experiences: Our programs include more than dance. We incorporate turban tying, traditional music, and storytelling to offer a holistic understanding of Punjabi heritage.
Fitness Programs: Bhangra is a powerful, full-body workout. We combine cultural expression with fitness, making our programs appealing and beneficial for people of all ages.
The Problems We Solve

Our work addresses several challenges in today’s society:

Preserving Cultural Identity:

For families navigating life in a multicultural environment, Young Bhangra provides a meaningful way to stay connected to their roots.
Youth Engagement:

We offer a positive, inclusive environment where youth can develop discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence.
Bridging Communities: Through our workshops and performances, we promote multiculturalism and foster understanding and respect among diverse groups.
Fitness and Well-being:

Bhangra is a joyful and engaging way to stay active, combining physical fitness with emotional and mental well-being.
What Sets Us Apart
What makes Young Bhangra unique is our commitment to community impact and cultural pride. We aim to create a sense of belonging and confidence in every student, and our approach is rooted in authenticity and inclusivity.

We bring traditional techniques and the ethos of Punjabi folk dance to every class and performance.
We focus on inclusivity, welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
Our team builds strong, lasting relationships with families, making them an integral part of our journey.
What I’m Most Proud Of

One of my proudest achievements has been organizing the Live Your Dream and Sarbat Da Bhala fundraisers. These events brought the community together to support meaningful causes and showcased the power of Bhangra to inspire and unite people.

Another highlight was seeing our students perform alongside Mehak Minhas, a young girl in a wheelchair, during the Live Your Dream event. It was a powerful reminder that dance is not just about movement—it’s about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to shine.

I’m also incredibly proud of the students I’ve taught. Watching them grow in skill, confidence, and cultural awareness has been deeply rewarding. Many have gone on to perform at prestigious events, represent Punjabi culture on global stages, and even start their own Bhangra initiatives.

What I Want Potential Clients/Followers/Fans to Know

We are more than a dance school: Young Bhangra is about building connections, celebrating heritage, and inspiring confidence in our students.
We are committed to quality:
Whether it’s a workshop, a performance, or a weekly class, we pour our heart and soul into delivering an exceptional experience.
We are here for the community: Through cultural education and outreach, we aim to make Punjabi traditions accessible and relevant to everyone.
To anyone interested in exploring Bhangra, I want to say: Come as you are. You don’t need prior experience—just bring your energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to create connections and inspire others.

As a Bhangra artist and instructor, I’ve seen firsthand how the art of dance transcends language, age, and cultural boundaries. Watching students step out of their comfort zones, discover their confidence, and embrace their cultural roots fills me with immense pride. Seeing parents beam with joy as their children perform Bhangra on stage or hearing how someone feels more connected to their heritage because of our classes is incredibly fulfilling.

Art has the power to bring people together, and through Bhangra, I get to play a small role in building community and promoting multicultural understanding. Whether it’s through a workshop in a school, a community performance, or a class that transforms into a family-like atmosphere, the impact is visible and immediate.

What makes it even more rewarding is knowing that this work helps preserve our Punjabi traditions for future generations while offering people of all backgrounds a chance to learn and appreciate this beautiful art form. Every smile, every laugh, and every sense of accomplishment from my students reminds me why I do what I do—it’s the joy and connection that keep me inspired and motivated.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that illustrates my resilience is the journey of starting Young Bhangra after facing significant challenges both personally and professionally.

Before founding Young Bhangra, my life took an unexpected turn when a severe arm injury from a bike accident ended my aspirations as a Kabaddi player. Kabaddi was a major part of my identity at the time, and losing the ability to play at a competitive level felt like losing a part of myself. I could have let that moment define me, but instead, I chose to redirect my energy and passion into another love of mine—Bhangra.

Initially, this wasn’t easy. I had to rebuild my confidence and learn to focus on what I could do rather than what I had lost. When I immigrated to Calgary, I faced financial struggles and the challenge of adapting to a new country while supporting my family. Despite these obstacles, I realized there was an opportunity to create something meaningful in my community—a space where Bhangra could thrive and help others connect with their roots.

Starting Young Bhangra in 2012 wasn’t without its hurdles. Building a business from the ground up while balancing family responsibilities and learning the nuances of entrepreneurship in a foreign land required perseverance. There were moments of doubt when resources were tight, and I questioned if my efforts would make a difference. At that time, I was driving a taxi to make ends meet while also conducting Bhangra classes in parks and open grounds. Often, I would give rides to students and even offer free Bhangra classes just to spread awareness. During those long hours waiting for customers in my taxi, I would practice Bhangra moves, dreaming day and night about how I could make Bhangra a cornerstone of my life.

The turning point came when our classes started gaining traction, and I saw how Bhangra was transforming lives. One memorable moment was during the Live Your Dream fundraiser, where a wheelchair-bound student, Mehak Minhas, performed Bhangra with us. Her resilience inspired me deeply, and it reminded me of the strength we all have to overcome challenges. Watching her determination gave me even more motivation to continue building Young Bhangra as a platform for hope and cultural pride.

Today, Young Bhangra stands as a testament to that resilience. What started as a small idea has grown into a thriving community that not only teaches dance but fosters cultural awareness, physical fitness, and personal growth. This journey has taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding setbacks—it’s about finding the strength to adapt, persevere, and create something meaningful from life’s challenges. Every struggle along the way has made me stronger, and it continues to drive me forward with purpose and passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://youngbhangra.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngbhangraclub/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youngbhangra/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@YoungBhangraCalgary
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@youngbhangracalgary