Showcasing Indian diversity through Bollywood music and dynamic dancing
Vibrant colors and lively music filled the Cannon Activities Center as India club performers took the stage. They opened with what club performers described as “fast-paced” and “energetic” movements and carried the powerful momentum throughout the show.
Club president Venu Gopal Guntu, a sophomore in computer science from India, said this year’s performance showcased the country’s diversity, blending traditional culture, modern dance and film music from its 28 states. “Even with our diversity, we come together through dance, culture, art and music,” he said.
The male performers wore kurtas and pyjamas, which Guntu described as attire for family gatherings or ceremonies. “If you see a person wearing a kurta, you know he is enjoying a special moment,” he said. The female dancers wore sarees and half-sarees with jewelry and accessories, which he said reflect India’s cultural diversity and long-standing traditions.
Guntu described the choreography as “very tight” and “fast-paced.” He said the club drew inspiration from a new wave of Indian modern dance which focuses on dynamic movements and upbeat energy. He hoped India club’s latest choreography stood out to the audience and that they paid close attention to the performance. “You blink your eyes and you will skip three or four steps,” he said.
Performer Chakravarthi Ambati, a senior in information technology from India, recalled the club’s dance practices as “intense.” To him, the performance successfully captured Bollywood’s liveliness and Kollywood’s “hype,” the Tamil-based film industry. He said, “We wanted to bring that energy to the stage on Culture Night.”
For Téa Daniel, a senior in communication, media and culture from Hawaii, India club’s performance offered a unique opportunity for her to learn the culture and connect with her familial roots. “It’s such a cool opportunity we have as students to celebrate so many cultures. I don’t think you’d get that anywhere else,” she added.
