~Move to the rhythm of your soul, and you'll never miss a beat~

www.dholrhythms.com

Dholrhythms is an organization dedicated to raising awareness and educating people about the artistic and cultural heritage of India. We host classes, workshops, performances, and events all dedicated to promoting and sharing the beautiful folk dances from Punjab, India known as Bhangra and Giddha.

Our vision is to create a community of diverse and positive beings that become connected through the beautiful energy of dance and movement. We believe that dance and music are universal languages that can help break cultural boundaries therefore we want to foster the development of arts as a fundamental part of our communities. Most cultures view dance as a symbol of unity and expression of deep emotions. We feel blessed to be able to share a unique and beautiful expression from our own culture to add to this unity.

FOUNDERS: Dholrhythms was created as a work of love by Vicki Virk who was born and raised in Punjab, India and Suman Raj-Grewal who was born and raised on Fiji Islands. Though raised on opposite sides of the world, destiny brought them together to share their passions. Their love for community, culture, outreach, dance, the arts, and empowerment of women gave birth to dholrhythms in 2003. Since its inception, Dholrhythms has grown into a boundless, undefined, and unique platform for people of diverse backgrounds to come together, learn something new, express themselves freely, and dance in a non-competitive and positive environment.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS: We offer regular weekly classes teaching bhangra to both adults and kids at different studios, as well as afterschool youth enrichment programs, and camps. In addition to our weekly classes, our workshops are also featured at all kinds of events and organizations ranging from festivals, cultural shows, fundraisers, galas, all dedicated to preserving the arts and culture. All classes and workshops are taught by founder Vicki Virk.

DHOLRHYTHMS DANCE TROUPE: Vicki Virk, Suman Raj-Grewal, Christine Garvin, Carrie Kroon, Emily Muse, Lisa Hepps, Parveena Kumar, Nina Zumel, Mila Raj, Giedre Nakutyte, and Monica Bhatnagar

With a strong passion and love for the art of Bhangra and Giddha(folk dances from Punjab), the eclectic group of women who make up the Dholrhythms Dance Troupe have become one of the most talked about dance troupes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Each of them started as a student in one of the classes and has spent energy and time learning about these dance forms.

Featured in performances before thousands of people over the years, the raw energy and passion which drives this unique mixture of women always leave crowds going crazy. Dholrhythms colorful performances mix everything from classic Punjabi rhythms to high energy hip hop moves, all laced with beautiful smiles.

Founder Vicki Virk’s Punjabi heritage brings forward the ancestral, and ethnic roots of these dances while other members help add their own style and rhythms to the choreography pushing new boundaries. The result is a fresh and unique synergy of fun, funky, energetic, and absolutely passionate pieces that are as diverse as our dance troupe and the audience we perform in front of.

Check out some of our performances at www.youtube.com/dholrhythms

VENUES: Dholrhythms dance troupe has had the opportunity to perform at the most well known venues of San Francisco such as Pier 39, DeYoung Museum, Golden Gate Park, Fillmore, Mezannine, DNA Lounge, 1015 Folsom, 111 Minna, Rickshaw Stop, Supper Club, Club Six, Sony Metreon, Palace of Fine Arts, Sterngrove…….

COLLOBORATIONS & EVENTS: We have had the privilige of colloborating, performing, and sharing the stage with some of the most innovative and exceptional artists from the San Francisco Bay Area. Some of the shows and artists we have colloborated with are Michael Franti & Spearhead Show at Mezannine, De Young Museum Reopening, Yoga Journal Conference, Best of Bay Area Gala with San Francisco Magazine, Google holiday party, Project Ahimsa Fundraisers, Power to the Peaceful festival with Michael Franti, The Harvest ball with Michael Franti and Spearhead, SF Day School Fundraiser, Sony Metreon 5 yr anniversary, SF ethnic Dance Festival Vip Gala, Groovegarden, Wordly, Electric Vardo, Dhamaal Soundsystems, Surya Dub, Cheb I Sabbah, Karsh Kale, Dr. Das, J. Boogie, Dubmission, BlackMahal and many many more….

SPECIAL EVENTS: Dholrhythms also co-hosts our own monthly event in San Francisco called Non Stop Bhangra . Started as an outlet for dholrhythms students, the event has turned into an amazing community that attracts over 400 people every month to experience this energetic sound. NSB combines dance lessons, performances, visuals, live dhol players, tabla players, and slammin dj’s all dedicated to sharing the art of bhangra. NSB has become a gem in the heart of SF culture. San Franciso Bay Guardian, one of the major publications in SF, voted NSB one of Top 5 Global events in 2005, and one of Top 20 far-out dance floor destinations in 2006. www.tribe.net/nsb

For more info visit us at:
www.nonstopbhangra.com
www.myspace.com/dholrhythms

http://dholrhythms.tribe.net