The energy of Gaston Hall was electric. From the dancers pouring their hearts out on stage to the audience clapping along to the old-school Bollywood beats to the comedic routine of the emcees, Rangila 30 captures the best parts of cultural appreciation on campus.
For Rangila’s 30th anniversary, Georgetown University’s South Asian Society (SAS) pulled out all the stops. With the theme “Under the Stars,” the event embodied both the elegance of its celestial motif and the brilliance of its over 450 performers. Over the span of two nights and three performances, an audience of more than 2,000 was treated to an unforgettable experience of dance, music and philanthropy.
From humble beginnings in 1995, Rangila has grown from a modest gathering of 10 students to the nation’s largest charity dance showcase. This year’s event included nine distinct genres of dance, seamlessly blending classical South Asian forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak with contemporary styles from the 2000s and beyond.
But Rangila is more than just a showcase; it’s a movement with a purpose. Rangila has always been about philanthropy. This year, SAS partnered with Little Sisters Fund (LSF), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering at-risk girls in Nepal through education and mentorship. Trevor Patzer, the organization’s founder, delivered a moving speech during the event, shedding light on the organization’s transformative impact in providing educational opportunities for nearly 4,000 young Nepali women. Additionally, Sapana, one of the Little Sisters, told her story of how the foundation changed the trajectory of her own life by supporting her education.
As they announced at the Friday night show, Rangila raised a staggering $125,000 in revenue, which is a true testament to the power of art and community coming together for a common cause. Even more impressive is their transparency, with coordinators promising to publish detailed invoices on the Rangila website for the first time in history, for anyone curious about where the funds directly go.
Shivali Vora, one of the choreographers, explains that “Rangila has been an amazing opportunity to use my passion for dance to help showcase South Asian culture.” I can’t agree more.
Overall, the performances were not only incredibly choreographed, providing the audiences with a stunning visual display that left them immersed throughout the entire length of the show, but dedicated to presenting authentic cultural representations on Georgetown’s campus.
One of the most standout performances was the Classical Fusion segment, which beautifully merged traditional choreography with modern influences, creating something entirely unique and electrifying. The dance incorporated traditional movements from regions across South Asia to spotlight its enormous diversity of dance techniques and music.
Returning to Rangila for the first time since 2014 was Afrofusion, a segment that seamlessly combined Afro-Caribbean and South Asian dance in an energetic and expressive performance. Dancers adapted traditional South Asian styles to emphasize the strong beats and percussion of Afro-Caribbean music, creating a completely new form that highlighted the adaptability of South Asian dance in other cultures.
However, Rangila is more than just the dance performances; it is a celebration of the music that characterizes South Asia. Studio Rangila’s musical act was a highlight, showcasing a mix of South Asian vocal and instrumental styles that captivated the crowd. The ensemble effortlessly navigated through different languages and genres, creating an auditory journey as diverse and vibrant as the musicians themselves.
To end the night, Rangila’s seniors performed the Senior Shandaar, a rapid-fire set of dances that incorporated all nine styles showcased throughout the show. The energy of each performance was electric, with the experienced dancers effortlessly mixing forms and techniques. The last number, Bhangra Finale, brought out every senior to crowd the stage and aisles of Gaston Hall as drummers in the audience beat out the rhythm of the music. The passion and effort of every dancer shined through in this final performance, creating a thrilling closing experience for the audience.
The magic of Rangila, however, goes beyond the stage. “Under the Stars” didn’t just nod to its stellar performers and coordinators; it was a celebration of legacy. For 30 years, Rangila has not only dazzled audiences but also united students in a shared mission of cultural pride and philanthropy. This year’s show felt like a culmination of everything Rangila has been building toward — a night of beauty, purpose and community.
