“The two things in my life that have always encouraged me to succeed and keep my chin at level with the floor are (her) mother and this dance group.” Shan-e-Punjab school has given her the opportunity to teach children and discuss issues such as racism, life as an Indo-Canadian, and bullying. She remembers producing skits with the school, about family values and the everyday challenges Indo-Canadians meet.

“Being a part of this group has always had a personal effect on me. It has been my inspiration and my confidence, not only as a dancer, but it has given me the drive to succeed and be strong in other areas of my life such as my career, my school, and myself.”

Please note information taken from an interview conducted with the Saanich News in 2004.

Jazz takes the cake for determination, dedication and commitment to Shan-e-Punjab. I remember distinctly, her saying, “Son (short for Sonia), we need another practice, I would agree, and then she would decide that it be best not to wait and have a practice, not in a few days or weeks, but the next day….7am or how about 10pm”.
She has excellent time management skills and is committed to everything she embarks on, and gives it 100 percent at each practice. She joined 14 years ago, and has never stopped, and has never missed one practice – and if her second generation peers Amy, Harp, Ruby or Sherry (previously Aman, Suman, Mona, or Isha) ever stopped she would be the first to get them going again. She has been a part of all five Greater Victoria Music Festival Shields, three Chek 6 Teen Talent Shows, all cultural showcases, and even partook by co-leading the social skits such as “fitting in” and “bullying” etc. Her comment in the 2005 newspaper article is stated above, and I agree, one should be honest with oneself about mistakes, and learn from them. We have one life to live in this world and always put your best foot forward, and make the best of it. I still remember her smile, sigh of relief, when she won the shield in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival (GVPAF) for three of her Punjabi dances. One was “Kurti Lal”, “Ek Kuri Gujarat Di” and “Punjaban” for which they earned the Adjudicator’s Shield. Each year at the Adjudication at the GVPAF, the Adjudicator provides an award for the group or organization that represents all of the categories being judged, such as grace of movement, technique, creation of choreography, energy, stage presence. In 1997 the Adjudicator was Jacques Lament, the Choreographer for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Calgary Olympics, and the 1994 Victoria Commonwealth Games. During this year this second generation team earned the Adjudication Award for their dance called Punjaban.

Each generation of advanced students brings a unique experience for me as their teacher, the school, and for the younger students who look up to them.

Jazz is pursuing her post-secondary education, as much as you are missed; we wish you all the best! It is an honour to know Shan-e-Punjab has been a part of your self-development.