This activity was used with pupils in key stages 3 and 4 and in the sixth form.

Context

The school decided to celebrate its birthday with an afternoon of events honouring the cultural diversity of its students. One activity involved students in a Bhangra dance workshop.

Aim

• To appreciate diversity within the school.

Activity objective

• To appreciate and learn about the culture of students from the largest minority ethnic group in the school.

Activity description

The '4 x 4 Bhangra Dance Group' was hired to put on a display of spectacular dancing with Indian musicians. The group is well known in the local Asian community and is booked for celebrations, such as weddings. During the performance, the students were invited to dance on the stage; most of them took this opportunity to participate.

After the performance, the dancers held a workshop where they taught the students the basic dance moves and put together a routine.

Commentary

This event created some unexpected spin-offs within the school population that made the Asian students feel proud. It inspired some boys to set up their own Bhangra dance group with dancers and musicians. The group performed at local primary schools and their self-esteem soared.

A group of business students in the school's sixth form decided to put on a dance festival event as part of a business studies module. The event featured dancers representing many parts of the world, and included the participation of the school's group of Bhangra dancers.

Follow-up activity

Local Asian storytellers visited pupils in years 7 and 8 and told stories. The visitors wore traditional costumes and explained their customs and traditions as well as telling their tales.