KENNEDY CENTER – Showcasing a stunning range of modern South Asian fusion and classical dances, Rangila is one of the most popular events on campus each year and draws hundreds of students in signups each year.
Amidst the hoopla of its new location in the Kennedy Center, this year Rangila will feature a record number of Indian students participating.
Experts are curious how this years “unprecedented” number of Indian students will change the dynamic of the dance. (Photo Credit: The Hoya)
“The diversity in these events is incredible and it’s why I love Georgetown,” said Sarah Goreman (COL ’16) while surrounded by her fellow pasty white dancers in Bollywood Remix. “I just hope the Indian students in the dance feel comfortable.”
Choreographers of this year’s dance told the Heckler they made a concerted effort to attract dancers of South Asian descent.
“We tried to brand Rangila this year as something that everyone can participate in,” said one choreographer. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there that says this is just for white New Englanders with no previous experience and that’s just not true.”
The Hoya has cited a “major demographic shift” this year in the number of Indian students participating in the activity, rising five students from last year’s Rangila performances, to a total of 22 Indian students participating in the event overall.
Several ethnically Indian students who declined to be named for the article reported feeling thankful for “being so warmly welcomed” in the dancing showcase this year.
“I think it’s nice they’re making such an effort to be ethnically diverse this year,” said Liz Cole (SFS ‘15). “It really had a bad reputation of being that dance almost exclusively for white people.”
“I just wonder if [Indian Students] will be good at this kind of dancing.”
Blue & Gray tour guide Missy Calvin (COL ’17) told the Heckler that she’s relieved that she can now refer to the dance as “multicultural” when discussing diversity on campus tours.
“I’m very optimistic about this new demographic in the dance,” said one choreographer. “I definitely think the Indian students will bring a unique interpretation of Rangila to the Kennedy Center.”
