BY DEVIKA C.MEHTA
COSTA MESA, CA - Vibrant colors, ecstatic theme-play, brilliant fusion of Indo-Western music and energetic dancers rocked their way to win the jewel in the crown. The Legends Bollywood Dance Championship, brought to California by the Desi Dance Network & Zee TV on April 15 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts here,
COSTA MESA, CA - Vibrant colors, ecstatic theme-play, brilliant fusion of Indo-Western music and energetic dancers rocked their way to win the jewel in the crown. The Legends Bollywood Dance Championship, brought to California by the Desi Dance Network & Zee TV on April 15 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts here,
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celebrated the victory of Northwestern Anubhav, a dance group that topped most of the categories besides being No.1 in the competition. Their theme based on the movie ‘Life of Pi’ highlighted the current political climate in the US while expressing solidarity with all those affected by the administration’s recent exclusionary policies on immigration.
As their Facebook post reads: “We Asian Americans from immigrant households recognize that we would not be here today without the sacrifices of all those who came before us. Through dance, culture and art, we believe that we can reclaim a narrative about immigration and immigrants that has been taken away from us by mainstream politicians.”
Celebrating the win, one of the participants, Ushashi Naha told IJ, “I cannot be happier for my team, throughout the process we have grown in such a beautiful manner and it is an honor to win finally.”
The group also won several other categories including Best Male Lead -Yoori Doolan,- Best Choreography and Best costume.
The second place was grandly taken by ‘The Men of Dance Project’ , an all boys band, that performed Dragon Ball Z. They also took a trophy for Best executive theme.
In third position was Nashaa from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) who showcased the journey of a young girl Khushi bringing together two of her most important people in life- Abhi and Ms K.
The celebrating team said, “We are so grateful to have placed third while also receiving trophy for the Best Female Lead (Nicola Kundanmal)!” Later, dancer Shruti Reddy spoke elatedly, “I feel so amazing that because of our hard work my team’s dreams have come true. We had no expectations, yet we secured the third spot and it is truly a gratifying feeling.”
There were 7 other teams that danced off for the title of the Legends and created a space where their stories, narratives, aesthetics, diasporic culture, and identities became real on a national platform while conveying strong social messages. The teams were UT Austin Nach Baliye; UCB Azaad; SLU Shakti; Michigan Manzil; UNC Chalkaa; Buckeye Fusion, and UCSD Zor.
The six judges who concluded the results were Charles Nguyen, Lavesh Pritmani, Poonam and Priyanka Shah, Joya Kazi and Shahil Patel. Crowds also roared for the exhibition performances of Aluminati, Darzana and GRV, who astounded all with their exceptional dance forms. The program was hosted by Directors Ashish Yamdagni and Saloni Hemani who showed extreme interest and proactivity in bringing the project together. The Legends after party was even more rocking with DJs Dr. Srimix, DJ Ruckiss, and Aamir Merani performing for a most unforgettable night. The teams came together at EnVy Lounge to celebrate the legendary conclusion of an incredible dance season. The teams have competed at qualifying competitions from November 2016 to March 2017 for a chance to dance on the Californian grand stage.
As their Facebook post reads: “We Asian Americans from immigrant households recognize that we would not be here today without the sacrifices of all those who came before us. Through dance, culture and art, we believe that we can reclaim a narrative about immigration and immigrants that has been taken away from us by mainstream politicians.”
Celebrating the win, one of the participants, Ushashi Naha told IJ, “I cannot be happier for my team, throughout the process we have grown in such a beautiful manner and it is an honor to win finally.”
The group also won several other categories including Best Male Lead -Yoori Doolan,- Best Choreography and Best costume.
The second place was grandly taken by ‘The Men of Dance Project’ , an all boys band, that performed Dragon Ball Z. They also took a trophy for Best executive theme.
In third position was Nashaa from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) who showcased the journey of a young girl Khushi bringing together two of her most important people in life- Abhi and Ms K.
The celebrating team said, “We are so grateful to have placed third while also receiving trophy for the Best Female Lead (Nicola Kundanmal)!” Later, dancer Shruti Reddy spoke elatedly, “I feel so amazing that because of our hard work my team’s dreams have come true. We had no expectations, yet we secured the third spot and it is truly a gratifying feeling.”
There were 7 other teams that danced off for the title of the Legends and created a space where their stories, narratives, aesthetics, diasporic culture, and identities became real on a national platform while conveying strong social messages. The teams were UT Austin Nach Baliye; UCB Azaad; SLU Shakti; Michigan Manzil; UNC Chalkaa; Buckeye Fusion, and UCSD Zor.
The six judges who concluded the results were Charles Nguyen, Lavesh Pritmani, Poonam and Priyanka Shah, Joya Kazi and Shahil Patel. Crowds also roared for the exhibition performances of Aluminati, Darzana and GRV, who astounded all with their exceptional dance forms. The program was hosted by Directors Ashish Yamdagni and Saloni Hemani who showed extreme interest and proactivity in bringing the project together. The Legends after party was even more rocking with DJs Dr. Srimix, DJ Ruckiss, and Aamir Merani performing for a most unforgettable night. The teams came together at EnVy Lounge to celebrate the legendary conclusion of an incredible dance season. The teams have competed at qualifying competitions from November 2016 to March 2017 for a chance to dance on the Californian grand stage.
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