Get up and dance with Husky Bhangra

Each fall brings a new semester for colleges, the start of sports seasons and a variety of student run activities at the University of Connecticut. These organizations and groups bring together hundreds of students and they offer a great way to both develop talents and meet new people. There are a plethora of options to chose from and the Involvement Fair on campus will expose students to pretty much all of them. However, amid all the group tables, it is easy to miss some of the organizations. 

Music and dance play a large part in the life of an average college student, and the university does its best to give students the best resources to make use of their interests. Here at Storrs there is an Indian dance group that has been entertaining audiences for several years. Husky Bhangra is an organization focused on Bhangra, a folk dance that originated in Punjab (located in Northern India and Northeast Pakistan). The dance integrates vigorous moves and a myriad of instruments to indulge viewers to an exciting performance.

Over the years the dance has spread all over the world and the high-paced, high-energy environment has grabbed the attention of people in all cultures. UConn has a large number of Asian Americans on campus and the students have been more than willing to show their heritage through Husky Bhangra. 

The dance group here at UConn is highly competitive and those on the team take their positions very seriously. In recent years, Husky Bhangra has traveled to Seattle, New York City and California to compete with other Bhangra groups around the nation. This upcoming season, the dancers plan on traveling to more competitions in North America and establish a reputation as an elite Bhangra group. 

“As a member of Husky Bhangra, not only will you be exposed to different elements of Punjabi cultural dance, but you will have fun doing it,” said Rachneet Singh, a 5th-semester, allied health major and co-captain of Husky Bhangra. “Going to competitions is definitely the best part of being on Husky Bhangra since you get to meet other dancers from all over the nation while showcasing your hard work and dedication through your performance.”

Tryouts for the team begin on Sept. 16 and the final cuts for the roster will be made on Sept. 18. For more information about the dance group and how to register for tryouts, visit the Husky Bhangra officers during UConn’s Involvement Fair or contact them through e-mail at HuskyBhangra@gmail.com.

The Daily Campus will periodically check in on Husky Bhangra throughout the school year as the dancers prepare for various events on campus and around the nation.