One of the largest intercollegiate South Asian dance competitions in North America will take over DAR Constitution Hall on Saturday.
Sponsored by the GW South Asian Society, Bhangra Blowout will bring together eight top bhangra dance teams from the U.S., including competitors from the University of Rochester, Cornell University and the University of Virginia. The teams, selected from a competitive pool, will deliver eight-minute performances in front of a panel of judges and an audience of thousands.
Bhangra is a high-energy style of dance that evolved from traditional folk dancing in the Punjab region of India. Bhangra includes a variety of moves and stunts as well as colorful costumes and props, creating an entertaining and exciting show for the audience.
Bhangra Blowout co-director and GW senior Yesha Malik says the dance has been performed in India for hundreds of years. “People perform Bhangra at events like harvests, weddings and anniversaries,” says Ms. Malik. “Events like Bhangra Blowout help students keep this tradition alive.”
The GW South Asian Society first held the competition in GW’s Marvin Center in 1993, but its growing popularity forced the organization to find a bigger venue. This year, the society hosted a premiere party for competitors in March to gather and get “hyped up” for the competition.
Ms. Malik says the competition is not just for experienced Bhangra dancers but a show for anyone interested in the dance and South Asian culture. The night will include exhibition musical and dance performances, including ones from GW’s own Bhangra team and Capital Funk, a GW dance group.
To Ms. Malik, Bhangra Blowout is more than just a competition, it’s a forum for dancers to express themselves and raise awareness about South Asian culture. “We want to teach the community about what we do and why it’s important— and have fun, of course!” she says.
The competition takes about a year to plan and profits from ticket sales go toward the nonprofit organizations Sikhcess, a community service organization, and the Nanubhai Education Foundation, which provides education to students in rural India. Ms. Malik says the society chooses two charities to donate to every year.
“The event is fun, energetic and makes the participants feel proud about themselves, their ethnicity and their heritage,” says Ms. Malik, “and we want the public to come and watch and share in their excitement.”
Constitution Hall is located at 1776 D St., NW. Show starts at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.