Lavesh began teaching Bhangra at Natya Academy in North Carolina, USA in 2006. For 10 years, he taught over 300 students and started the independent (non-collegiate) Bhangra movement in NC. He established over 20 teams (youth and competitive), competing and performing across North America at cultural, diversity, corporate, competitive, and social events.
In 2006, Lavesh won his first competition in NYC with his team Gabroo Alliance, a mixture of music and live (Dhol). He also was a part of UNC-CH’s Bhangra Elite during the years of 2006 – 2010 where he competed twice and placed 2nd at a competition.
In 2007, Lavesh started Gajjde Gabroo, an all-male live (Dhol) team that competed until 2010. The team competed in Virginia, California, Toronto, and also won first place in Texas. In 2008, Lavesh created a “junior” co-ed music team called Gajjdi Jawani, which also competed across USA. Lavesh coached Gajjdi Jawani to win a local competition in NC and competed numerous times in NYC, Virginia, California, and NC. The team rebranded to North Carolina Di Tohr in 2016.
In Nov. 2014, Lavesh and his team launched the Learn Bhangra App for iOS and Android devices. In ~5 years, the App achieved over 100K downloads and 25K registered users. The App continues to grow at a rate of ~2K monthly downloads and commands a strong Social Media presence with a 500K+ weekly user reach.
Additionally, Lavesh frequently conducts international Bhangra workshops. He has taught workshops in Mexico (3 times), Beijing, NYC (numerous), North Carolina (numerous), Atlanta (2 times), Argentina (numerous), Bogota, Singapore, Berlin, Warsaw, Dubai, Istanbul, England (numerous), Kuala Lumpur, Peru (numerous), Chile (numerous), La Paz (2 times), San Jose (2 times), Moscow, Hong Kong, Los Angeles (numerous), Paris, Dallas, Knoxville, Costa Rica (2 times), Miami, Virginia (numerous), and Chicago (2 times). Many more places to come soon!
In 2015-16, Lavesh worked with the Jus Punjabi network to create a “Learn Bhangra with Lavesh” TV show that broadcasted for over 6 months. Also in 2016, Lavesh was invited to perform and teach Bhangra at the 2016 Rio Olympics along with members from the India cultural delegation. In 2017, Lavesh began teaching Bhangra at the world-renowned Broadway Dance Center in New York City.
Due to his vast competitive and teaching experience, Lavesh also judges dance competitions around the world. His prior experience includes judging at Aaj Ka Dhamaka (3 times – North Carolina), Nachte Raho (2 times – Iowa), ATL Tamasha (Atlanta), Nach Ke Dikha (Virginia), Temple Tashan (Philadelphia), Got Bhangra (2 times – Virginia), Bhangra Dance Off (Malaysia), Championships of Bhangra (North Carolina), East Coast Classic (Virginia), UGA India Night (3 times – Georgia), Circle City Bhangra (Indianapolis), DDN Legends Bollywood Dance Championship (Los Angeles), This is Bhangra (2 times – Argentina), Red Dot Bhangra (Singapore), Infusion (Pennsylvania), Jazba (Minnesota), Digital Dance Collective 5 (online), Bhangra Jodi War (online), as well as being invited to judge Bhangra Blowout (Washington DC), Bruin Bhangra (Los Angeles), Boston Bhangra, amongst many others.
Lavesh’s Bhangra background derives from the PAU College of Agriculture school of thought under the guidance of Ustaad Janak Raj Ji. Lavesh’s coach, Dr. Gurinderbir “Pearl” Chahal, helped him understand folk elements and transformed Lavesh’s approach towards Bhangra and how the teachings of discipline, confidence, and respect incorporate into everyday life.