Kruti Instructor, Shemoni Sheth, was invited to judge Dandia Dhamaka on January 30, 2010. Dandia Dhamaka is a popular intercollegiate competition at the University of Michigan showcasing the South Asian dance form of Raas. Each year numerous teams across the nation apply to compete in Dandia Dhamaka, from which 10 are selected. Shemoni was one of the six judges on the panel of this prestigious competition and the only one representing the southern United States.

Raas is a traditional, yet expressive form of Indian folk dance originating from the state of Gujarat. It is a very active dance involving wooden sticks called dandias. The dancers hit each other’s sticks to the beat of the music. See Wikipedia article for a detailed description.

We, at Kruti Dance Academy, take great pride when we are asked to participate in events like Dandia Dhamaka. This show, entirely produced by Indian American youth, is a prime example of why we do what we do. Our goal at Kruti Dance Academy is not just to teach Indian dance but to ignite passion for Indian art and culture. We encourage our students to enhance their passion by incorporating Indian dance in their future endeavors. In this case, children who have been exposed to Raas, love Raas and want to exert their creativity through this dance form, use competitions like Dandia Dhamaka as a way to keep up with their passion in college. It is with this passion that the the true essence of Indian dance is felt, spread and justified among our American community—not to mention it is a healthy release from the daily academic pressures of college life.

And now a special note from us to all of our students and lovers of Indian dance…

When using competitions like Dandia Dhamaka to express your love for the art, push yourself creatively for internal satisfaction of the soul. Try to avoid getting engrossed with the idea of “winning.” Remember that you have already won by simply continuing to do something you love.