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Happiness guru to spread joy in North Bay

'Joy is more than having fun. Joy means your nerves are calm, your anxieties are elsewhere'
2023-gurdeep-pandher
A dancing moment in the boreal forest around his Yukon cabin.

A man that is famous around the world for his message of hope and positivity, not the mention his dancing, is giving a free performance in North Bay next week.

Gurdeep Pandher is a Yukon-based, Bhangra artist and educator, who creates performance pieces that bring together people from all backgrounds, while promoting inclusivity.

Bhangra is the traditional dance of Punjab. (see the video below) It is native to the Punjabi nation. A long time ago, Punjabi-Sikh farmers started to use different aspects of farming to create a dance form. This farming-influenced style of dance celebrates food-growing, harvesting, and relationship to the land, which they later called Bhangra.

“Joy is more than having fun. Joy means your nerves are calm, your anxieties are elsewhere," says Pandher. "Your heart (not just lips) is smiling; your breathing is soothing like a breeze; your world is perfect in the mess of imperfections around you. Joy could be an ideal meditation. If all emotions are valuable, then even tears of joy can make us get up and dance. One thing more about joy; we need it, just like we need food to survive. Go find your joy! Start by searching within yourself or going out in nature.”

The live performance takes place at the Kiwanis Bandshell at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13.

Pandher is best known for bringing joy, hope and positivity during the pandemic through his online dance classes, videos and uplifting messages.

The event is sponsored by the North Bay Regional Health Centre and the City of North Bay.



 


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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