Junior class hosts successful Dandia fundraiser

The school’s annual Bombay in the Bay (BnB) performance is one of the most significant events in spreading Indian cultural awareness. To continue this spirit, the junior class officers held a Dandia celebration on the evening of March 12 as a fundraiser in the Large Gym.  

Unlike BnB, where there is a mixture of modern and traditional dances, Dandia is a classic dance form where members move to the rhythm of cultural music while also batting iconic wooden sticks.

“[Dandia] is a fun way to spread a cultural [activity] that we usually wouldn't be able to see in school,” junior class president Ellicia Chiu said.

Around 80 people attended the event and the junior class raised about $1,100.

The money raised will be used mainly for events such as junior and senior prom, according to Chiu. Such fundraisers make prices for prom bids cheaper.

The event included performances from BnB’s top dance acts such as the All Men’s Dance (AMD), the All Girls’ Dance (AGD) and Toga Tamasha. Altogether, a couple of dozen students performed in the event.

“It was a really fun event because the food was really good and everyone was decked out in Indian clothes,” said junior Neeka Nikfar. “I also enjoyed dancing with the sticks with my friends.”

Along with the dances, the class also served traditional Indian foods, including mango lassis and samosas, for all attendees. There was also a professional Henna artist for those who wanted to decorate themselves.

For junior class representative Jessy Liu, Dandia was not only a great social event but a way for her to gain better understanding of Indian cultural.

“BnB is a performance that people go to see and it’s amazing and hugely impressive, but it’s a spectator experience for those who aren’t participating in the dances,” Liu said. “With Dandia, anyone can come in and grab a pair of sticks and dance or just really jam out to quality Bollywood music without prior knowledge or practice.”