Aashiyana Dance Company consists of two of the most versatile dance artists, Aruna Pun and Raj Bhogal who have been trained in the Classical Indian Dance forms of 'Kathak' and 'Bharatnatyam'. Within their classical Indian dance routines, they include elements of contemporary dance which has created a distinctive edge. Aashiyana have explored the use of music taken from different parts of the world. They have choreographed dance routines using British Asian music, Indian, Irish, Spanish and European music. Aashiyana have collaborated with dancers from different artistic backgrounds and have choreographed routines with 'Capoeira' (Brazilian Martial Art) and 'Bhangra Dancers' (North Indian Folk Dance). This collaboration has seen the celebration of cross cultural diversity in performing arts. Aruna Pun  | | Aruna Pun |
Aruna is a Birmingham-based physiotherapist, who has been trained in the classical Indian dance form of Kathak. Her vibrant dance routines include the vocabulary of Kathak, with hints of Contemporary, Club Jazz, African dance and Salsa. Aruna appreciates and is inspired by the current fusion style music, particularly by acclaimed artists such as 'Nitin Sawhney'and 'Badmarsh & Shri'. Aruna regularly holds dancercise classes, through which she promotes exercise through dance. She believes dancing is the most enjoyable way to keep fit!  | | Raj Bhogal |
Raj Bhogal Raj Bhogal is a Secondary School Teacher of Art & Design Graphics. She specialises in the Classical Indian Dance form of 'Bharatnatyam' under the guidance and teaching of Chitralekha Bolar. Raj is particularly inspired by Punjabi Bhangra and traditional Folk Giddha music. Raj has taught classical and contemporary dance at a local community centre and is currently teaching the art form at her school. Her role within Aashiyana Dance Company is also to design all the promotional art material. Sohan Kailey Sohan from Wolverhampton (pictured at the foot of the page) is a Bhangra & contemporary dancer. He enjoys teaching the physical art of Bhangra dance throughout educational establishments and community groups as well as performing.  | | Sohan Kailey |
Bhangra is the popluar punjabi folk dance which originates form North East India - an agricultural dance which celebrates the harvest season. The movements of Bhangra are performed to exhilerating beats of the drum (dhol) music. The Bhangra costume is very colourful which enhances the stage performance. There are many other folk dances which come from the Bhangra industry such as Dhammal, Sammi, Jhumar, Luddhi, Kara Bhangra. A lot of the movements show the performer praying to the skies, sowing the fields, digging the fields (gudni) cutting the crops (katana), placing the crop onto the ox and cart (pariya & gaddha). Bhangra is a way of life in India and is celebrated by all at the colourful Vaisakhi festival in India and across the world. Daniel Naghshineh & Michael Campbell  | | Daniel & Michael |
Daniel from Wolverhampton and Michael from Birmingham are Capoeira artists. Capoeira the the Brazilian fight-dance. Capoeira incorporates diverse elements of African culture including dance, music, acrobatics and various fighting forms. This style of fighting form disguised as dance has always been based on the principle of surprise and improvisation. The African people who were enslaved by the colonial Portuguese were forced to create an effective and unknown fighting form both as a means of defence and to free them from slavery.
Once free, the African Brazilian people formed hidden communities called Quilombos in the deep forest of the north east of Brazil where they were able to develop the fighting skill, which today we call Capoeira. Where have you seen us before?  | | Dancers rehearsing |
Aruna and Raj have both performed at BBC Children in Need, BBC Network East Live Mega Mela (NEC), Asian Pop Awards ICC, NIA, Acoustic Cafe with Sharam Gill, Shaanti (ImagineAsia), Shaanti with DJ Manga (Galaxy FM), National Theatre South Bank London, Birmingham ArtsFest and numerous community events at the Midlands Arts Centre. Join us We are always on the lookout for new young talent - anyone interested should contact Sowi on 07957 338 643 or email: [email protected] Where to see Aashiyana Dance Company  Stratford on Avon Music Festival 2004
Saturday 16 October, 7.30pm
Civic Hall, Rother Street
Elaborate routines include elements of 'Kathak', 'Bhangra', 'Capoeira', 'Traditional Egyptian dance' and 'Trio Gitano' - gypsy influenced music from the flamenco, latin and jazz repertoire.
Festival Box Office: 01789 207100.
Website
Black History Month 2004
Friday 29 October, 7.30pm
Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
Aashiyana Dance Company theatre production. Fusion of Kathak, Bhangra, Capoeira, Traditional Egyptian dance by Shaheera, plus exclusive live DJ set by Sonny Ji (Bhangra-House and emotional Asian fusion beats.)
Box office: 01902 321 321
Website | 
