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Dances
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Co-ed Dance Choreographed by Kriti Samaymantri and Manika Agarwal A key part of Bollywood movies are the music and dance numbers. These dances allow the characters to convey their emotions through lively movements and expressions. Bollywood cinema has evolved greatly over the past fifty years, and this year we will be portraying the different styles and attitudes associated with the changing times. Through the innocence of the olden days and the influences of the Western world that we see today, Bollywood continues to entertain audiences around the world. Click here to listen to the music! |
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Co-ed dance Choreographed by Madhav Chakravarthy and Renée Dhar The Gypsy dance, which has roots in northern Punjab, is a beautiful mixture of the Middle East and north Indian dances. Nomadic Roma gypsies are often attributed as the originators of this passionate style of dance, which emphasizes undulating hips and rolling wrists. Women characteristically adorn themselves with large, flashy jewelry and men typically have loosely flowing garments to accentuate the rhythmic nature of the dance. Progressing from the pulsating beats and movements to the fast-paced fluidity of modern Gypsies, this dance highlights the evolution of the sensuality associated with traditional gypsies. The sultry steps complement the intimacy of the partners as they recount age-old stories of unrequited love and progress into modern tales of lust and desire. Click here to listen to the music! |
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All girls dance Choreographed by Nina Bhattacharya "Classical" uses articulate hand gestures and firm footwork to express the very essence of the music to which the dancer moves. This all-girls dance traces the evolution of Bharatnatyam and Kathak from the temple to the classically-influenced era of black-and-white films. Moving to the modern age, the exuberant, precise movements of classical dance continue to fill the Indian silver screen. Finally, "Classical" crosses the ocean to dance classes of America, where young Indian-American women, after learning about the culture of Indian dance, put their own twist on the ancient dance forms unique eye, hand, and body gestures. Click here to listen to the music! |
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Co-ed dance Choreographed by Nevan Shokar and Sharan Shokar Bhangra is an upbeat and energetic form of dance originating in Punjab, the northern region of India. It started as a folk dance performed by farmers to celebrate the coming of Spring and the new “bhang” or harvest. In the beginning, Bhangra was a male-only dance, often performed with “sotis” or large sticks, to the loud beat of the drum, or “dhol.” Today, the dance includes both genders dressed in brightly colored outfits. Modern music is often mixed with traditional sounds and accompanied by the dhol. Bhangra is exciting and entertaining for both the dancer and the audience and continues to be performed on stage in front of large audiences, at weddings and parties, and at competitions all over the world. |
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All girls dance Choreographed by Geetu Sharma, Reejuta Joshi , and Shruti Kumar Over the years the progression of Indian women can undoubtedly be seen through dance. As time progressed, women have picked up various styles of dance, ranging from tribal to classical to gidda to modern. Women have consistently played a vital role in the evolution of Indian culture, which is often represented via dance. From the time where mothers taught their daughters mudras from bharatanatyam to when wedding celebrations were infused with gidda performances to today where bollywood styles of dance has become increasingly popular. Women have been the pioneers in the progression of these styles of expression. Our dance will show progression by incorporating these styles and many more. Reflections of older styles can be seen in the more modern graces of dance, despite the uniqueness of the contemporary styles. It is often women- mothers, wives, sisters, daughters that maintain the Indian tradition of dance through generations tying our deep-rooted cultural past to our turbulent present. Our dance will reflect the beauty of this transition through the decades. Click here to listen to the music! |
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Co-ed dance Choreographed by Deepa Bhat and Priya Patel Raas is a traditional folk dance that originated from Vrindavan. Along with garba, it is especially popular during the Hindu festival of Navratri. However, Raas is not only an important part of Navaratri but extends itself to other festivals related to harvest and crops as well. Raas originated as a devotional dance, which was performed in the goddess Durga's honor. The dandiyas (sticks) that are the trademark of Raas represent the sword of Durga. During the dance, dancers energetically whirl and move their feet and arms to the tune of the music. Over the ages, Raas has evolved from a very traditional dance to a more modern form. Raas will always be dynamic as it represents the circle of life, beating of heart. It is a live folk form that has changed with time and will keep changing. Our dance represents how this style of dance has progressed over time. |
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Co-ed dance Choreographed by Lily Raudales, Rajat Wali, and Rohan Agarwal The great aspect of Indian fashion has been its ability to constantly evolve through time and simultaneously incorporate styles from different cultures of the world thus giving it a truly global look and acceptability. Being true to the theme of Fashion, you are bound to identify with elements that reflect changes in trends over the years. You are about to witness a snap shot of this idea in Indian fashion through a medley of Bollywood and Latin tracks in the backdrop to set the tone for an electrifying, never before seen “cat walk” by our very own talented Wolverines! Click here to listen to the music! |
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Co-ed Dance Choreographed by Pramila Sivapalan and Yamini Jadcherla South Indian culture is celebrated through the many elaborate dance forms of Southern India. This buoyant style of dance includes the use of many popular Tamil and Telegu film songs that have varying beats, tempos, and instruments. South Indian dance celebrates the beauty of the body through rhythmic arm, hand, leg, and hip movements. This style involves a lot of partner interaction, with many of its steps heavily influenced by traditional folk dances. Click here to listen to the music! |
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All boys dance Choreographed by Mohit Mehan and Vishal Bajaj The focus of this dance will be on the portrayal of the male figure in India through time. Inspired by the rituals of India's adivasis, or tribesmen, the choreography will reflect the everyday life of the tribes people in India. In combination with traditional choreography, this dance will integrate more contemporary steps to portray the ever-changing roles of the Indian male figure. The musical selection includes a wide variety of songs. From tribal beats to modern Bollywood music, the audience will be able to enjoy the classics along with the popular songs of today. The defining feature of this year’s Men’s Tribal dance will be the upbeat blend of old and new. Conventional tribal beats mixed in with current popular songs will lend an element of uniqueness to this dance. Click here to listen to the music! |
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Co-ed dance Choreographed by Sheena Gulati and Zainub Naqvi Incorporating the traditional vibes that ring throughout, this colorful dance represents the various regions of India. With each move and pose, pride and nationalism is greatly symbolized. Upbeat tempo's and rich melodies help portray the deep sense of community and unity while each dancer's moves and expressions define the lively culture that is rooted within the Indian lifestyle. Throughout time, the authentic style of music and dance has carried on, voicing the everlasting camaraderie of the nation. Click here to listen to the music! |
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