Bhangra group encourages inclusivity among students and shows an appreciation for culture (Courtesy of Gajjda Bhangra).
Geneseo has many clubs and organizations that students can join based on their interests. One subject of interest is dance, which is where Bhangra comes in.
Geneseo’s Gajjda Bhangra is a co-ed competitive dance team on campus. It is a high-intensity traditional dance form from Punjab, a Northern State in India.
Through a virtual interview, president of Bhangra and biology major senior Kaitlyn Mundackal explained the meaning of this dance as well as the club’s participation in campus activities.
“The meaning of Bhangra is ‘a person intoxicated with joy!’ During the semester we teach a 10-minute track to perform at various campus events such as cultural dinners, the student expo and Relay For Life,” Mundackal said. “We also travel to other neighboring schools such as RIT and SUNY Fredonia to compete in their competitions.”
Any student who is interested in participating in this dance group is encouraged to apply. No dancing experience is necessary.
“Many of our members have never even heard about Bhangra or even danced before trying out! We currently have five captains: Meenu Mundackal, Alondra Diaz, Hima Chakka, Lizzie Smalley and I,” Mundackal said. “We hold practices three times a week: Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m., Monday from 8 to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 to 10 p.m.”
Aside from virtual auditions, the organization is taking several safety measures given COVID-19.
“In response to COVID-19, our practices were first held over Zoom in March but have since moved to in-person when the Fall semester began. Due to COVID-19, we have split our team into various cohorts for each day of practice, requiring masks and social distancing adhering to NYS and Geneseo protocol,” Mundackal said. “Although COVID-19 has diminished the amount of performances we have, we plan to make the most out of what we can do!”
Mundackal further explained that her favorite aspect of this organization is the inclusivity. She appreciates the members’ respect and love for other cultures.
“Although this dance form stems from India, 85 percent of GB’s members do not identify as Indian and have come onto this team with an open mind ready to dance and make lifelong friends,” Mundackal said. “Their respect and love for a different cultural dance inspires me every day to be the best captain for them!”
Joining this organization is a great way for people to learn more about this Indian cultural dance, as well as a way to make new friends, regardless of how one identifies.
Additionally, while online tryouts were held several days ago, submissions are still being accepted for anyone interested in joining. Students are welcome to reach out on Instagram at their account @gajjdabhangra or email gbhangra@geneseo.edu.