Gurdeep Pandher

Gurdeep's first viral video was in 2016 which featured a Canada Day performance in Whitehorse, Yukon. The video depicts Gurdeep and his dance partner Manuela Haemmerli performing Bhangra and dancing to Punjabi music with Yukon residents. Overnight, the video received upwards of 250,000 views and was later featured on CBC News and CTV News.{{Cite news|title=Whitehorse Bhangra dancer shows off Yukon to the world {{!}} CBC News|language=en-US|work=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/pandher-bhangra-dancing-yukon-videos-1.3691705|access-date=2021-01-28}}

In 2017, Gurdeep Pandher created a video in collaboration with Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis.{{Cite news|title=Mayor of Whitehorse dons turban, learns Bhangra dance, goes viral {{!}} CBC News|language=en-US|work=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/whitehorse-mayor-bhangra-dance-viral-video-1.3928113|access-date=2021-01-28}}{{Cite web|last=Huang|first=Echo|title=A video of a Canadian mayor wearing a turban and learning Bhangra dance moves is going viral|url=https://qz.com/886069/a-video-of-a-canadian-mayor-dan-curtis-wearing-a-turban-and-learning-bhangra-dance-moves-is-going-viral/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Quartz|date=16 January 2017 |language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2017-01-17|title=Canadian Mayor dances bhangra, ties turban in viral video|url=https://www.faith-matters.org/canadian-mayor-dances-bhangra-ties-turban-in-viral-video/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Faith Matters|language=en-GB}} In the video, Gurdeep taught the mayor how to tie and wear a traditional Sikh turban and the pair danced Bhangra together.{{Cite web|date=2017-01-13|title=Video: Video: See the turban tying video from Yukon that has gone viral|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/life-video/video-see-the-turban-tying-video-from-yukon-that/video43b17488-cbc2-4e16-b0c6-54559caf4e55/|access-date=2021-01-28|website=The Globe and Mail|language=en-CA}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=USA Today Video: Mayor's Turban-Tying Lesson Goes Viral|url=https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/have-you-seen/video/2017/01/13/mayor's-turban-tying-lesson-goes-viral/96555062/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=USA Today}}{{Cite web|title=Video of Whitehorse mayor goes viral|url=http://www.ckrw.com/news/local-news/video-of-whitehorse-mayor-goes-viral/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=96.1 The Rush|language=en}} The video quickly became a viral sensation, receiving over one million views in a single day and a segment on BBC News,{{Cite news|title=Turban fitting goes viral|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-38573561|access-date=2021-01-28}} Toronto Star,{{Cite web|date=2017-01-10|title=Yukon mayor's turban tying, Bhangra dancing goes viral|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2017/01/10/yukon-mayors-turban-tying-bhangra-dancing-goes-viral.html|access-date=2021-01-28|website=thestar.com|language=en}} and The Huffington Post.{{Cite web|date=2017-01-10|title=Whitehorse Mayor Calls Bhangra Lesson 'Coolest Thing' He's Been Asked To Do|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2017/01/10/dan-curtis-whitehorse-mayor-bhangra-video-dance_n_14087154.html|access-date=2021-01-28|website=HuffPost Canada|language=en}} Together Mayor Dan Curtis and Gurdeep Pandher made the video to spread a message of diversity and inclusivity throughout the world.{{Cite web|date=2017-01-12|title=You'll Want To Call Your Punjabi Friend After Seeing The Canadian Mayor Learn How To Tie A Turban & Do Bhangra|url=https://www.mensxp.com/special-features/today/34406-you-ll-want-to-call-your-punjabi-friend-after-seeing-the-canadian-mayor-learn-how-to-tie-a-turban-do-bhangra.html|access-date=2021-02-09|website=www.mensxp.com|language=en-IN}}{{Cite web|date=2017-01-12|title=Canadian mayor dons turban and dances for religious tolerance|url=https://religionnews.com/2017/01/12/canadian-mayor-dons-turban-and-dances-for-religious-tolerance/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Religion News Service|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2018-01-27|title=Sikh immigrant's story is as Canadian as chaat, dal and paneer|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2018/01/27/sikh-immigrants-story-is-as-canadian-as-chaat-dal-and-paneer.html|access-date=2021-02-09|website=thestar.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Yukon mayor's turban, dance moves go viral|url=https://www.insideottawavalley.com/news-story/7058642-yukon-mayor-s-turban-dance-moves-go-viral/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=InsideOttawaValley.com|date=10 January 2017 |language=en-CA}}

Stephanie Dixon is a Canadian swimmer, who was awarded fifteen medals at the Paralympic Games throughout her career.{{Cite web|title=Dixon {{!}} Canadian Paralympic Committee|url=https://paralympic.ca/team-canada/stephanie-dixon|access-date=2021-01-28|website=paralympic.ca}} The Government of Canada added her achievements to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and in 2017, awarded her the Member of the Order of Canada.{{Cite news|title=Yukon swimmer named to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame {{!}} CBC News|language=en-US|work=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/dixon-paralympics-sports-hall-of-fame-swimming-1.3554282|access-date=2021-01-28}} That same year, Gurdeep Pandher and Stephanie Dixon joined forces to create a viral video.{{Cite web|date=2017-12-04|title=This Unlikely Pair Just Proved The Yukon Is The Ideal Place For Bhangra|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2017/12/03/paralympian-bhangra-dancing_a_23295800/|access-date=2021-01-28|website=HuffPost Canada|language=en}} In the video, both Stephanie and Gurdeep perform a Bhangra routine and swim together in the Yukon hot springs. Over 100,000 people on social media have viewed the video. Gurdeep and Stephanie designed the video to promote a message of cultural diversity and inclusivity in sports.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-08|title=VIDEO: Internet famous Yukon-based bhangra dancer explores Vancouver Island|url=https://www.surreynowleader.com/trending-now/video-internet-famous-yukon-based-bhangra-dancer-explores-vancouver-island/|access-date=2021-01-28|website=Surrey Now-Leader|language=en-US}}

Gurdeep Pandher and the Yukon Rendezvous Air North Can-Can Line created a breathtaking fusion of two famous dance forms, Punjabi Bhangra and Can-Can Dancing. Their video supports bringing together two distinct cultures in the world. Originating in France, the Can-Can is a high-energy, physically demanding dance that became popular in music halls in the 1840s. This video demonstrates the utilization of social media to build cross-cultural bridges.{{Cite web|date=2016-08-04|title=Promoting Unity With Bhangra Dance|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/terezia-farkas/bhangra-dance_b_11321554.html|access-date=2021-02-02|website=HuffPost Canada|language=en}}

In 2019, The Canadian Armed Forces and Gurdeep Pandher collaborated to create a Punjabi Bhangra dance video to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the Canadian military.{{Cite web|date=2019-07-22|title=CAF members take part in traditional Punjabi Bhangra Dance|url=https://ml-fd.caf-fac.ca/en/2019/07/32135|access-date=2021-01-28|website=The Maple Leaf}} The video brought together soldiers from differing backgrounds and promoted a message of "One Force" with "One Love" for Canadians.{{Cite web|title=Canadian soldiers' bhangra video goes viral|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/canadian-soldiers-bhangra-video-goes-viral|access-date=2021-02-09|website=SBS Your Language|language=en}} It was unique, as it was the first time The Canadian Armed Forces participated in a collaboration that included folk-dance from Canada's Punjabi/Sikh nation. In addition to this, the video showcased Canadian BIPOC soldiers dancing and performing Bhangra together.{{Cite web|date=2019-06-26|title=This Canadian Armed Forces Bhangra Video Displaying Multiculturalism Is Going Viral For All The Right Reasons|url=https://www.narcity.com/en-ca/news/canadian-armed-forces-bhangra-dance-video-displaying-multiculturalism-is-going-viral|access-date=2021-01-28|website=www.narcity.com|language=en-CA}}

A diverse range of the soldiers participated in the video including members of The Royal Canadian Navy, The Royal Canadian Air Force and The Canadian Army. Filming took place at the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) at Esquimalt, located west of Victoria, British Columbia.{{Cite web|title=Canadian Armed Forces bhangra video shows 'beautiful side' of multiculturalism {{!}} News|url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canadian-armed-forces-bhangra-video-2019|access-date=2021-01-28|website=dailyhive.com|language=en}} The video went viral and was shared and recognized by many prominent Canadian figures.{{Cite web|title=Watch: Canadian Armed Forces do some serious 'bhangra' moves|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/punjab/watch-canadian-armed-forces-do-some-serious-bhangra-moves-793789|access-date=2021-01-28|website=Tribuneindia News Service|language=en}} The Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, shared Gurdeep's video to his social media.{{Cite web|last=Flanagan|first=Ryan|date=2019-07-02|title='We are together': Canadian troops perform bhangra dance in viral video|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/canada/we-are-together-canadian-troops-perform-bhangra-dance-in-viral-video-1.4490871|access-date=2021-01-28|website=CTVNews|language=en}} The video was also later shared by Canada's Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan.{{Cite web|title=Log In or Sign Up to View|url=https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=648476428999032|access-date=2021-01-28|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}} In addition to this, the collaboration received positive feedback from the existing Commander of The Royal Canadian Navy at that time, Art McDonald. The now Chief of the Defence Staff tweeted, "As @CanadianForces & @RoyalCanNavy prepare to celebrate Canada Day here at home & overseas (& at-sea!) when duty brings us there, it seems this is the perfect time to celebrate the spirit of inclusion & diversity that is the Canadian advantage! #BravoZulu & T.Y. for this video shipmates."{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Twitter page of the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy|url=https://twitter.com/Comd_RCN/status/1144711873075564545|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}}

Gurdeep Pandher collaborated with Dana Tizya-Tramm, the Chief of a Northern Yukon indigenous community, named Old Crow. The 2019 video featured the Punjabi traditional dance, Bhangra. The notion behind the film was to celebrate friendships among communities in the Yukon and Canada.{{Cite web|title=Bhangra dancer in the Yukon is proof that diversity is Canada's strength {{!}} Curated|url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/gurdeep-pandher-bhangra-canada-diversity|access-date=2021-01-28|website=dailyhive.com|language=en}} After the video was released, Indigenous network APTN National News broadcast the footage and interviewed the Chief and Gurdeep. APTN wrote, "a video filmed in an isolated community in the Yukon meant to spread happiness has now been seen by tens of thousands of people."{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=APTN's Facebook Page|url=https://www.facebook.com/125809458771/posts/10156861703118772|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=Facebook}} Old Crow is home to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) peoples'. Traditionally speaking Gwichʼin, the area is home to less than 300 people. Old Crow is isolated from surrounding communities and is accessible only by plane or canoe. Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm, the head of the VGFN government, is the youngest First Nation Chief in the Yukon. He made national headlines by declaring a climate emergency in the Old Crow community.{{Cite news|title=Old Crow declares climate change state of emergency {{!}} CBC News|language=en-US|work=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/old-crow-climate-change-emergency-1.5144010|access-date=2021-01-28}} It was the first northern community to make a climate emergency declaration and inspired many municipalities in Canada to follow suit.{{Cite web|last=MacIntyre|first=Chris|date=2019-10-23|title=Residents of Old Crow in the Yukon have front row seat to climate change|url=https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/residents-of-old-crow-in-the-yukon-have-front-row-seat-to-climate-change/|access-date=2021-01-28|website=APTN News|language=en-US}}

In January 2020, Gurdeep Pandher recorded and produced a video where he danced Bhangra outdoors in the Yukon, Canada. In the video, the weather is intense and temperatures drop below -45 °C.{{Cite web|date=2020-01-15|title=11 Photos & Videos That Prove Canadians Are Totally Fearless In -40 C Conditions|url=https://www.narcity.com/en-ca/news/canada-was-40-c-and-these-tweets-prove-that-canadians-can-handle-anything|access-date=2021-01-28|website=www.narcity.com|language=en-CA}} The video went viral and was posted by several national media organizations including CBC. At the end of the year, CBC reported the dance video to be one of the most "uplifting videos from 2020."{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=CBC News: These uplifting stories made 2020 hurt a little less in Canada|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/2020-good-news-stories-1.5859102|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}}

Later that year in 2020, Jordan Lincez and Gurdeep Pandher combined Bhangra dancing to Jordan's bagpipe music.{{Cite web|date=2020-04-06|title=Yukon Neighbours Use Pandemic Time To Bust Out Bagpipes, Bhangra|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/yukon-bhangra-bagpipes-video_ca_5e8a9aa3c5b6e7d76c6633c3|access-date=2021-01-29|website=HuffPost Canada|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Bhangra Dancer, Bagpiper Join Creative Forces In Canada's North|url=https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/crime/bhangra-dancer-bagpiper-join-creative-forces-in-canadas-north/vi-BB12eaFh|access-date=2021-02-09|website=www.msn.com}}{{Cite web|title=AOL Video - Serving the best video content from AOL and around the web|url=https://www.aol.ca/video/view/5e8b40ce6c4609703134c673/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=AOL.com|language=en-CA}}{{Cite web|title=From Bhangra to Bagpipes!|url=https://www.classicalfm.ca/station-blog/2020/04/12/from-bhangra-bagpipes/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=www.classicalfm.ca}} The video took place in April in the Yukon wilderness while the pair were practicing social distancing.{{Cite web|title='We can't stop being funny': Barrie authors share stories of Canadian kindness|url=https://www.simcoe.com/community-story/10034823--we-can-t-stop-being-funny-barrie-authors-share-stories-of-canadian-kindness/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=Simcoe.com|date=27 June 2020 |language=en-CA}}{{Cite web|title=Doing the Bhangra Dance to Bagpipe Music!|url=https://www.iheartradio.ca/virginradio/winnipeg/blog/doing-the-bhangra-dance-to-bagpipe-music-1.11686022|access-date=2021-02-09|website=www.iheartradio.ca|language=en-CA}}{{Cite web|date=2020-04-06|title=Bangra & Bagpipes - Physical Distancing Canada Style|url=https://www.todocanada.ca/bangra-bagpipes-physical-distancing-canada-style/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=To Do Canada}}{{Cite web|title=Canadian Neighbours Collaborate With Bhangra And Bagpipes During The Pandemic|url=https://www.sikhnet.com/news/canadian-neighbours-collaborate-bhangra-and-bagpipes-during-pandemic|access-date=2021-02-09|website=SikhNet|language=en}} More than 300,000 people watched the video from Gurdeep's Twitter page in one day.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Statistics from Gurdeep Pandher's Twitter Page|url=https://twitter.com/GurdeepPandher/status/1246894669155282944|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}} This video was broadcast by CBC, CTV and Global News. The Leader-Post wrote that "Gurdeep Pandher is an ambassador for joy."{{Cite web|title=Rob Vanstone: Gurdeep Pandher is an ambassador for joy|url=https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/rob-vanstone-gurdeep-pandher-is-an-ambassador-for-joy|access-date=2021-01-29|website=leaderpost|language=en-CA}} In addition to this, Canadian Author Heather Down included Gurdeep and Jordan in her book, Not Cancelled: Canadian Kindness in the Face of COVID-19, which chronicled positive experiences from several Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|title=A Sikh and an Irish Descendant Walk into the Yukon . . .|url=https://vocal.media/humans/a-sikh-and-an-irish-descendant-walk-into-the-yukon|access-date=2021-01-29|website=Humans|language=en}}

In summer 2020, Gurdeep vacationed to Vancouver Island for ten days.{{Cite web|title=Yukon man bhangra dances across Vancouver Island after easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7263623/yukon-man-bhangra-dance-vancouver-island/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=Global News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Ford|first=Tim|date=2020-08-12|title='People are very welcoming': Renowned Bhangra dancer spreads joy during visit to Vancouver Island|url=https://www.victoriabuzz.com/2020/08/people-are-very-welcoming-renowned-bhangra-dancer-spreads-joy-during-visit-to-vancouver-island/|access-date=2021-02-01|website=Victoria Buzz|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Viral Bhangra dancer visiting Vancouver Island|url=https://www.iheartradio.ca/cfax-1070/audio/viral-bhangra-dancer-visiting-vancouver-island-1.13209832|access-date=2021-02-09|website=www.iheartradio.ca|language=en-CA}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=CBC Victoria: He has been lifting spirits across Canada during the pandemic and now Gurdeep Pandher is Bhangra dancing his way across Vancouver Island|url=https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1773492803916|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}} Upon his arrival, he posted a video dancing Bhangra on the front lawn of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.{{Cite web|last=Arrais|first=Pedro|title=Yukon resident spreads joy and happiness on Island through exuberant dance|url=https://www.timescolonist.com/yukon-resident-spreads-joy-and-happiness-on-island-through-exuberant-dance-1.24184280|access-date=2021-01-29|website=Times Colonist|date=11 August 2020 }}{{Cite web|title=Yukon man bhangra dances across Vancouver Island after easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions|url=https://cfox.com/news/7263623/yukon-man-bhangra-dance-vancouver-island/|access-date=2021-02-01|website=CFOX|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2020-08-08|title=Yukon's bhangra dancing sensation pays Vancouver Island a visit|url=https://www.cheknews.ca/yukons-bhangra-dancing-sensation-pays-vancouver-island-a-visit-690244/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=CHEK|language=en-CA}}{{Cite web|title=Bhangra dancer's B.C. travel videos go viral {{!}} Watch News Videos Online|url=https://globalnews.ca/video/7267766/bhangra-dancers-b-c-travel-videos-go-viral/|access-date=2021-02-18|website=Global News|language=en-US}} Shortly after Gurdeep's post, representatives from B.C. Legislature contacted him and invited him to film a video featuring their staff.{{Cite news|title=Bhangra dancer goes viral after sharing videos from B.C. landmarks {{!}} CBC News|language=en-US|work=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bhangra-dancer-goes-viral-after-sharing-videos-from-b-c-landmarks-1.5687518|access-date=2021-01-29}} Members from all parties of the Legislative Assembly danced Bhangra with Gurdeep.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-08|title=VIDEO: Internet famous Yukon-based bhangra dancer explores Vancouver Island|url=https://www.saanichnews.com/community/video-internet-famous-yukon-based-bhangra-dancer-explores-vancouver-island/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=Saanich News|language=en-US}} Following this, Gurdeep was welcomed by the Legislature Assembly into the Victoria parliament buildings.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Official website of Legislative Assembly of British Columbia|url=https://www.leg.bc.ca:443/documents-data/debate-transcript?TermStoreId=f521b6c0-e6c1-466c-944a-97821d4f74fb&TermSetId=9f16e9ee-3dfd-4a20-9566-040d3f546e57&TermId=bb6f5a4c-7985-4899-8f02-490fbd58095e&UrlSuffix=20200814pm-Hansard-n360|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.leg.bc.ca|language=en}} Gurdeep was escorted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and was invited by the Victoria Police (VicPD) to create a video dancing Bhangra.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-14|title=VIDEO: Greater Victoria police officers try bhangra dancing with social media star|url=https://www.vicnews.com/community/video-greater-victoria-police-officers-try-bhangra-dancing-with-social-media-star/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=Victoria News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Miller|first=Harry|date=2020-08-15|title=VIDEO: Greater Victoria police officers try bhangra dancing with social media star – Saanich News|url=https://canadanewsmedia.ca/video-greater-victoria-police-officers-try-bhangra-dancing-with-social-media-star-saanich-news/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=Canada News Media|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2020-08-14|title=VIDEO: Greater Victoria police officers try bhangra dancing with social media star|url=https://www.peninsulanewsreview.com/community/video-greater-victoria-police-officers-try-bhangra-dancing-with-social-media-star/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=Peninsula News Review|language=en-US}} The VicPD staff were subsequently joined by officers and staff from Saanich Police, Central Saanich Police, Oak Bay Police, Westshore RCMP, and Duncan/North Cowichan RCMP.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-02|title=Officers And Staff From Across The Region Dance Bhangra With Gurdeep Pandher|url=https://vicpd.ca/2020/09/02/officers-and-staff-from-across-the-region-dance-bhangra-with-gurdeep-pandher/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=VicPD.ca|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2020-09-02|title=This Bhangra Dance Party With BC Police Was Like A Real Life Musical (VIDEO)|url=https://www.narcity.com/en-ca/news/victoria/bc-police-danced-bhangra-and-it-was-just-like-a-real-life-musical-video|access-date=2021-01-29|website=www.narcity.com|language=en-CA}}

After leaving Victoria, Gurdeep travelled to Long Beach Tofino, creating a video performing Bhangra on the beautiful Pacific Ocean landscape.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-10|title=Famous Yukon-based bhangra dancer brings movements of joy to Long Beach|url=https://www.westerlynews.ca/trending-now/famous-yukon-based-bhangra-dancer-brings-movements-of-joy-to-long-beach/|access-date=2021-02-01|website=Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Bhangra dancer looks to bring message of hope to B.C. during COVID-19|url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/bhangra-dancer-looks-to-bring-message-of-hope-to-b-c-during-covid-19|access-date=2021-02-22|website=nationalpost|language=en-CA}} Gurdeep's visit and interview was featured in Tofino's Top 10 Sports and Art Stories of 2020.{{Cite web|date=2021-01-13|title=Tofino and Ucluelet's Top 10 sports and arts stories of 2020|url=https://www.bclocalnews.com/sports/tofino-and-ucluelets-top-10-sports-and-arts-stories-of-2020/|access-date=2021-02-01|website=BC Local News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Yukon's social media dancing star makes a splash in B.C. (VIDEO)|url=https://www.timescolonist.com/yukon-resident-spreads-joy-and-happiness-through-exuberant-dance-1.24184280|access-date=2021-02-01|website=Vancouver Is Awesome|date=11 August 2020 |language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2020-08-10|title=Famous Yukon-based bhangra dancer brings movements of joy to Long Beach|url=https://www.peninsulanewsreview.com/trending-now/famous-yukon-based-bhangra-dancer-brings-movements-of-joy-to-long-beach/|access-date=2021-02-01|website=Peninsula News Review|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Viral video dancer makes visit to Salt Spring|url=https://www.gulfislandsdriftwood.com/arts-entertainment/viral-video-dancer-makes-visit-to-salt-spring/|access-date=2021-02-02|website=Gulf Islands Driftwood|language=en-US}}

He was honoured by the Fire and Rescue Department of Nanaimo.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-10|title=Famous Yukon-based bhangra dancer brings movements of joy to Long Beach|url=https://www.nanaimobulletin.com/trending-now/famous-yukon-based-bhangra-dancer-brings-movements-of-joy-to-long-beach/|access-date=2021-02-01|website=Nanaimo News Bulletin|language=en-US}} Following this, The Globe and Mail wrote, "Bhangra dancer looks to bring the message of hope to B.C. during COVID-19."{{Cite news|title=Bhangra dancer looks to bring message of hope to B.C. during COVID-19|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-bhangra-dancer-looks-to-bring-message-of-hope-to-bc-during-covid-19/|access-date=2021-02-01}} Based on the events from this trip, Gurdeep landed on the cover of Explore Magazine, a Canadian adventure and outdoor lifestyle magazine.{{Cite web|first1=Kevin|last1=Hinton |first2=Ryan|last2=Mckenzie|title=Explore Magazine|url=https://www.explore-mag.com/10-Last-Minute-Christmas-Gifts-for-Outdoor-Adventurers-in-2020|access-date=2021-02-01|website=Explore Magazine|date=22 December 2020 |language=en}}

Amid the 2020 Pandemic, Gurdeep began to offer accessible, Pay-What-You-Can, virtual Bhangra lessons.{{Cite web|title=Gurdeep Pandher: Teaching and Uplifting from the North|url=https://www.thedancecurrent.com/column/gurdeep-pandher-teaching-and-uplifting-from-north|access-date=2021-02-01|website=The Dance Current - Canada's Dance Magazine|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Dostal|first=Elise|date=2020-04-09|title=Positive Stories Offer Hope During COVID-19 Epidemic|url=https://servicelinewarranties.ca/positive-stories-offer-hope-during-covid-19-epidemic/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Service Line Warranties of Canada|language=en-US}} That year, over 5000 students joined the online classes during the worldwide lockdowns.{{Cite web|last=Carneiro|first=Alessandra|date=2020-09-04|title=Bringing joy through the bhangra dance|url=https://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/bringing-joy-through-the-bhangra-dance-1.5093524|access-date=2021-02-02|website=Saskatoon|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Thomas|first=Sandra|title=Virtual experiences from Tourism Yukon, include bhangra dancing with Gurdeep Pandher|url=https://www.vancourier.com/living/virtual-experiences-from-tourism-yukon-include-bhangra-dancing-with-gurdeep-pandher-1.24160909|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Prince George Citizen}}{{Cite web|title=Canadian Family's Got Talent, Honourable Mentions!|url=https://www.bttoronto.ca/videos/canadian-familys-got-talent-honourable-mentions/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Breakfast Television Toronto|language=en-CA}} As schools and learning facilities began to close and shut down, students and teachers relied on Gurdeep's videos for online, at-home learning.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=BC Campus Website|url=https://covid19.bccampus.ca/webinars/adapting-to-covid-19-fun-friday-with-gurdeep-pandher-bhangra/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}}{{Cite web|title=Whitehorse man's bhangra dance classes go international during pandemic|url=https://ca.news.yahoo.com/whitehorse-mans-bhangra-dance-classes-183513426.html|access-date=2021-02-09|website=ca.news.yahoo.com|date=19 April 2020 |language=en-CA}} CBC went on to feature Gurdeep's lessons in an article.{{Cite news|title=Whitehorse man's bhangra dance classes go international during pandemic {{!}} CBC News|language=en-US|work=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/whitehorse-man-bhangra-dance-classes-online-1.5537422|access-date=2021-02-02}} Using the virtual classes as a platform, Gurdeep raised funds for both COVID-19 relief and Mental Health research.{{Cite web|last=Chandy Dancey|date=2020-12-03|title=Get more bang for your buck with online bhangra workout|url=http://ufvcascade.ca/get-more-bang-for-your-buck-with-online-bhangra-workout/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=The Cascade|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|title=These uplifting stories made 2020 hurt a little less in Canada {{!}} CBC News|language=en-US|work=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/2020-good-news-stories-1.5859102|access-date=2021-02-09}} These efforts resulted in appearances in publications from Air Canada's enRoute Magazine,{{Cite web|title=How Social Media Sensation Gurdeep Pandher is Breaking Down Barriers|url=https://enroute.aircanada.com/en/interviews/gurdeep-pandher/|access-date=2021-02-02|website=enroute.aircanada.com|language=en}} the Bank of Montreal,{{Cite web|title=Inside Stories: The Joy of Dancing Bhangra-style|url=https://capitalmarkets.bmo.com/en/news-insights/covid-19-insights/inside-stories-the-joy-of-dancing-bhangra-style/|access-date=2021-02-02|website=capitalmarkets.bmo.com|language=en}} and the International Paralympic Committee. BC's TransLink also collaborated with Gurdeep to create a Bhangra positivity video that promotes wearing masks while using the Skytrain and Transit services.{{Cite web|title=Bhangra dancer teams up with TransLink reminding people to wear masks on transit {{!}} Urbanized|url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/dancing-bhangra-wearing-masks-translink|access-date=2021-02-09|website=dailyhive.com|language=en}} In addition to these appearances, the Government of Canada requested Gurdeep Pandher, among other prominent Canadians, to make a Bhangra video to celebrate Canada Day 2020.{{Cite web|date=2020-07-02|title=Canada Day 2020 — Let's celebrate together!|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/canada-day/online-celebrations/get-together-series/celebrate-together.html|access-date=2021-02-16|website=aem}} Later that year, CBC Q's Tom Power featured Gurdeep Pandher on CBC Television in a talk show called What're You At? with Tom Power.{{Cite news|title=Noah Reid, Terry Crews, Mary Walsh: What're You At? With Tom Power {{!}} CBC Television|language=en-US|work=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/television/whatreyouat/noah-reid-terry-crews-mary-walsh-what-re-you-at-with-tom-power-1.5572637|access-date=2021-02-16}}{{Cite web|title=Tom Power CBC: What're You At? with Tom Power|url=https://www.cbc.ca/television/whatreyouat/alan-doyle-rupi-kaur-jonny-harris-what-re-you-at-with-tom-power-1.5552710https://www.cbc.ca/television/whatreyouat/alan-doyle-rupi-kaur-jonny-harris-what-re-you-at-with-tom-power-1.5552710}}

Gurdeep worked to produce and post one Bhangra dance video per day during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|title=Rob Vanstone: Gurdeep Pandher is an ambassador for joy|url=https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/rob-vanstone-gurdeep-pandher-is-an-ambassador-for-joy|access-date=2021-02-02|website=leaderpost|language=en-CA}}{{Cite web|title=Letters Aug. 18: Joyful dancing; rescuing a dog; pothole-filled streets|url=https://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/letters/letters-aug-18-joyful-dancing-rescuing-a-dog-pothole-filled-streets-1.24188074|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Times Colonist|date=18 August 2020 }}{{Citation|title=Gurdeep Pandher, Yukon's Bhangra-dancing ambassador|url=https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1781463619647|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-11}} His user engagement and total views grew rapidly as an increased number of people across Canada and throughout the world started watching his videos and social media posts.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-18|title=Yukon's social media star Gurdeep Pandher promotes unity through dance|url=https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/entertainment/yukons-social-media-star-gurdeep-pandher-promotes-unity-through-dance/|access-date=2021-02-02|website=Vancouver Island Free Daily|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Gurdeep Pandher of Yukon on positivity, resiliency, and about helping total strangers on the internet facing mental health challenges - 630 CHED Afternoons - Omny.fm|url=https://omny.fm/shows/ched-afternoon-news/gurdeep-pandher-of-yukon-on-positivity-resiliency|access-date=2021-02-18|website=omny.fm}} As COVID-19 restrictions grew tighter, many important events were cancelled. However, Gurdeep's audience found motivation and gained positivity through watching his daily videos.{{Cite news|title=Bhangra dancer looks to bring message of hope to B.C. during COVID-19|url=https://cfjctoday.com/2020/08/16/bhangra-dancer-looks-to-bring-message-of-hope-to-b-c-during-covid-19-2/|access-date=2021-02-02|website=CFJC Today Kamloops|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2020-03-05|title=Yukonomist: We're all in this together|url=https://www.yukon-news.com/opinion/yukonomist-were-all-in-this-together/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Yukon News|language=en-US}} Gurdeep received many messages from individuals feeling an amplified amount of stress and loneliness due to the pandemic.{{Citation|title=Yukon dancer advises people to think positive to get through pandemic|url=https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1838728259977|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-11}}{{Cite news|date=2021-01-12|title=From snowy Yukon, a Punjabi dance warms Canadian hearts|work=Christian Science Monitor|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2021/0112/From-snowy-Yukon-a-Punjabi-dance-warms-Canadian-hearts|access-date=2021-02-02|issn=0882-7729}} The messages indicated that his community had felt uplifted and optimistic thanks to Gurdeep's work.{{Cite web|date=2020-06-07|title=Yukon's Gurdeep Pandher tries to spread some joy on social media|url=https://lindsayadvocate.ca/yukons-gurdheep-pandher-tries-to-spread-some-joy-on-social-media/|access-date=2021-02-02|website=Lindsay Advocate|language=en-CA}}{{Cite web|date=2021-03-02|title=A smile and dance, Gurdeep Pandher spreads positivity through traditional dance|url=https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/a-smile-and-dance-gurdeep-pandher-spreads-positivity-through-traditional-dance-1.5330458|access-date=2021-03-04|website=Winnipeg|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Gurdeep Pandher warms up Canada's North with traditional Bhangra dance|url=https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/gurdeep-pandher-brings-joy-and-traditional-dance-to-whitehorse|access-date=2021-03-04|website=www.theweathernetwork.com|date=March 2021 |language=en-CA}} On March 1, 2021, Gurdeep received his first COVID-19 vaccine.{{Cite web|date=2021-03-04|title=Bhangra-dancing Canadian goes viral after celebrating on frozen lake after Covid vaccine|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/bhangra-canada-viral-covid-vaccine-b1811522.html|access-date=2021-03-05|website=The Independent|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2021-03-08|title=Ten good news stories from Toronto Star headlines this week|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/03/08/ten-good-news-stories-from-toronto-star-headlines-this-week.html|access-date=2021-03-09|website=thestar.com|language=en}} After receiving the vaccination, he visited a frozen lake in the Yukon and recorded a Bhangra dance video, which went viral.{{Cite web|title=CBC Radio: Whitehorse Bhangra dancer celebrates his COVID-19 vaccine|url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-the-tuesday-edition-1.5933726/things-are-going-to-be-great-whitehorse-bhangra-dancer-celebrates-his-covid-19-vaccine-1.5933727}}{{Cite web|title=Yukon man dances Bhangra on frozen lake after getting COVID-19 vaccine {{!}} News|url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/bhangra-dancer-gurdeep-pandher-covid-19-vaccine|access-date=2021-03-05|website=dailyhive.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Hasson-Fauré|first=Nicolas|date=2021-03-04|title=Il fête sa vaccination contre le Covid-19 en dansant, sa vidéo fait un carton sur internet - Edition du soir Ouest-France - 04/03/2021|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/leditiondusoir/2021-03-04/il-fete-sa-vaccination-contre-le-covid-19-en-dansant-sa-video-fait-un-carton-sur-internet-1ec32a80-e94a-4241-bf42-3db82c164b54|access-date=2021-03-05|website=Ouest-France.fr|language=fr}}{{Cite web|date=2021-03-03|title=La joie de ce prof de danse tout juste vacciné contre le Covid est communicative|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.fr/entry/joie-prof-de-danse-vaccine-contre-le-covid-est-communicative_fr_603f48c1c5b601179ec16e07|access-date=2021-03-05|website=Le HuffPost|language=fr}}

In 2016, Gurdeep was invited by local musicians to gather in Whitehorse, Yukon and practice together.{{Cite web|date=2016-12-07|title=Bhangra comes to Whitehorse|url=https://www.yukon-news.com/life/bhangra-comes-to-whitehorse/|access-date=2021-02-02|website=Yukon News|language=en-US}} During the gathering, Gurdeep began dancing Bhangra to their traditional Celtic music.{{Cite web|last=Campbell|first=Kylie|date=2018-12-12|title=From the Punjab to the Yukon|url=https://whatsupyukon.com/api/content/07ae7c92-fce0-11e8-accf-120e7ad5cf50/|access-date=2021-02-04|website=whatsupyukon.com|language=en-us}} As Gurdeep continued to dance and more musicians joined, the artists were surprised how well their different cultures of music and dance blended together. From this, the idea of the Cross-Cultural Bhangra Show was born and was later titled, Bhangra: Dance of Punjab, Canadian Cross-Cultural Concert.{{Cite web|last=Church|first=Amber|date=2019-11-20|title=Come prepared to dance|url=https://whatsupyukon.com/api/content/99110bce-0b57-11ea-ab2d-1244d5f7c7c6/|access-date=2021-02-04|website=whatsupyukon.com|language=en-us}} The show now has been performed consecutively for five years, taking place virtually and in the Yukon Arts Centre.{{Cite web|title=Whitehorse Daily Star: Bhangra North takes the stage|url=https://www.whitehorsestar.com/News/bhangra-north-takes-the-stage|access-date=2021-02-04|website=Whitehorse Daily Star|language=en}} Year after year, the show has continued to sell out. This annual concert is known for bringing different Canadian cultures together on one stage, providing a message of unity in diversity and building interracial bridges.

Gurdeep Pandher has taught Bhangra in the Yukon for several years and felt it was important to include his students in Bhangra: Dance of Punjab, Canadian Cross-Cultural Concert.{{Cite web|date=2013-03-20|title=Bringing Bhangra to the Boreal|url=https://www.yukon-news.com/news/bringing-bhangra-to-the-boreal/|access-date=2021-02-11|website=Yukon News|language=en-US}} In the past, the concert has showcased a variety of performers including local Yukon youth, Can-can dancers, Irish dancers, Highland dancers, Japanese musicians, Celtic musicians and performances from Gurdeep's Bhangra students.{{Cite web|title=Whitehorse Daily Star: Gurdeep Pandher, students, musicians set to perform|url=https://www.whitehorsestar.com/News/gurdeep-pandher-students-musicians-set-to-perform|access-date=2021-02-04|website=Whitehorse Daily Star|language=en}} To continue to deliver the message of positive race-relations, Gurdeep also performed in the Dawson City Music Festival. He was the first to dance Bhangra in the festival's history.{{Cite web|title=Whitehorse Daily Star: Festival offered a scaled-down anniversary fete|url=https://www.whitehorsestar.com/News/festival-offered-a-scaled-down-anniversary-fete|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Whitehorse Daily Star|language=en}} In addition to this, Gurdeep performed in Whitehorse, where he was joined by 60 Santas who danced Bhangra with him.{{Cite web|date=2016-12-23|title=City under siege by 60 Santas|url=https://www.yukon-news.com/life/city-under-siege-by-60-santas/|access-date=2021-02-11|website=Yukon News|language=en-US}}

The arts sector of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), known as CBC Arts, collaborated with Gurdeep Pandher to create numerous Bhangra videos that work towards spreading joy and optimism throughout Canada. Gurdeep Pandher and CBC Arts partnered to produce a total of six videos. So far, the two videos that have been released are titled Hello Fall and Bhangra to Celtic Music.{{Cite news|title=Bhangra dancing to Celtic music in the Yukon wilderness is the mash-up we didn't know we needed {{!}} CBC Arts|language=en-US|work=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/arts/bhangra-dancing-to-celtic-music-in-the-yukon-wilderness-is-the-mash-up-we-didn-t-know-we-needed-1.5886297|access-date=2021-02-04}}

Gurdeep authored a poetry book in the Punjabi language, titled Mitti De Ghar, which translates to "Clay homes" in English. It was later published by Aarsi Publishers, a publishing company located in New Delhi. The book consists of poems and songs written by Gurdeep in his early years.{{Cite web|title=Punjabi writer and Poet Gurdeep Pandher|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/punjabi-writer-and-poet-gurdeep-pandher|access-date=2021-02-04|website=SBS Your Language|language=en}}

In 2023, he participated as one of the panelists in Canada Reads, championing Dimitri Nasrallah's novel Hotline.[https://www.cbc.ca/books/canadareads/meet-the-canada-reads-2023-contenders-1.6716837 "Meet the Canada Reads 2023 contenders"]. CBC Books'', January 25, 2023.

Gurdeep Pandher was invited by film makers to be featured as a guest artist in First We Eat, a film about food sovereignty in Northern Canada.{{Cite web|title=STIR, Vancouver: VIFF review, First We Eat follows family's year as locavores in the Great White North|date=25 September 2020 |url=https://www.createastir.ca/articles/first-we-eat}} The movie was produced by Dawson City Yukon film creator Suzanne Crocker and is on the long list for best documentary at the upcoming 2020 Oscars.{{Cite web|date=2021-02-08|title=Yukon documentary considered for Oscar|url=https://www.yukon-news.com/news/yukon-documentary-considered-for-oscar/|access-date=2021-02-18|website=Yukon News|language=en-US}} In the movie, Gurdeep Pandher and other characters dance Bhangra in celebration of the local harvest.{{Cite web|title=First We Eat, Author at First We Eat|url=https://firstweeat.ca/author/suzanne/|access-date=2021-02-18|website=First We Eat|language=en-US}}

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Category:Living people

Category:Bhangra (music) musicians

Category:Canadian male dancers

Category:Musicians from Yukon

Category:People from Whitehorse

Category:Year of birth missing (living people)

Category:21st-century Canadian dancers