IRVING TEXAS: The newly founded Punjab Cultural Association to north Texas (P.S.A.N.T.) held its first Punjabi show Saturday November 71992 at the Irving Arts Center Irving Texas. The show featured local talents and the Punjab cultural society.

The show opened to almost full capacity with an address by Dr. Ammanullan Khan The opening item of the show was Punjab Cultural Societies 40 minute extravaganza Kee Sifta Punjab dian written by Balbir Ragi and directed by Surinder Dhanoa with lighting by Ramesh Walia which held the audience in complete wonderment as the story of Punjab unfolded before their eyes This was followed by two local dances Boliyaan and Khudi Ban Ke Patola directed by Anju Chawla which was a great attachment to the enthusiasm these youngsters had for their culture. This was followed by Mani Dhanoas Yaar Vajawe Dhol. The mood switched to a lighter tone by the side stitching comedy Gappaan directed by Surinder Dhanoa. The locals produced Nach Mundya which was a fast moving dance that followed gappan.

The Evergreen Ballet Heer Ranjha under the direction of Surinder Dhanoa along with his wife Japinder also played a role seemed to take you back to yesteryears. The folk songs that were sung by Satpal Deol and Tarlok Singh opened with a very touching Rubait on Punjab written by Ajaypal Bath. Milwai Giddha followed

The second half opened to the sounds of Teginder (Jimmy) Dhanoaand Milkait Singhs Dhol which visibly moved the audience Udeekan directed by Mani Dhanoa and Nimrita Grewal was performed with fewer dancers but they still maintained the charm and grace that was present in the Oakland show. The appreciation was obvious by the applause. The Aina Sona Bhangra by Rubi Bhandari Esther Singhand friends from U.T.A. could only be called dynamite. These girls had a stamina that would not quit. The art of Naklan was brought alive once again by Surinder Dhanoa and Ajaypal Bath Directed by Ramesh Walia the Ashque dee Kalam really presented the sentiments of poet in a dance form.

Punjab lok geet by Satpal Deol and Tarlok Singh once again had the audience dancing in the aisles. Bhangra was thrilling as never before and has become the trademark of the Punjab Cultural Society. The shows last item Balley Balley which was directed by Mani Dhanoa and Nimrita Grewal added a new dimension to the show The masters of the ceremonies Shubnum Modgil and Balbir Ragi kept the show moving with the right touch of poetic language and humor.

The show closed with Ike Sekhon the ad hoc Chairman of the Punjabi Cultural Association introducing the visiting performers from the Bay Area. Surinder Dhanoa thanked and encouraged the audience to join the Punjabi Cultural Association

The Punjabi Cultural Association Hosted a dinner at Ike Sekhon’s down town elite club in honor of the Punjab Cultural Society also to celebrate the success of their first show. This event was attended by the who’s who of Dallas and went on into the early hours of the morning.

Article extracted from this publication >> December 4, 1992