Sangam Diaspora

Duke Dhamaka were the winners of Sangam’s Aaj Ka Dhamaka (AKD) bhangra competition. Their performance capativated not only the audience, but also the judges. As a result of Duke Dhamaka’s excellent performance, Diaspora has decided to interview Duke Dhamaka’s captain Prad Nanakaduty.

What does it take to put together a dance team and what kind of dedication is required to become a member of Duke Dhamaka?

Well Duke Dhamaka was started about 4 or 5 years ago by a graduate of 05. It was set up by a group of people who really loved to dance and have a great time on the stage. The only dedication on the team, besides the practicing and all that, is that you love to dance and that usually drives people to come out and join the team.

On average, how much do you practice in a week?

On off weeks, about twice a week and that varies depending on if we have a competition or not. On competition weeks, we were practicing three or four times a week, for example in between Awaaz and AKD.

Can you walk me through one of your practices, what do you start off with, end with, and points of emphasis?

Usually we begin with a quick stretch and discuss some logistics. During practices, we try to run through the routine as much as we can and stop to critique each other to make sure that all our dance moves are consistent and synchronized. We try to make sure that the energy and flare is there in each of our dancers throughout each dance step and that’s what we look for the most because that’s what ends up showing on stage.

What did you think of AKD this year?

It was a great performance. This year it was really well run. There was a little bit of catch-up during the dress rehearsals because of sound and lighting difficulties, but they [the Sangam staff] handled it really well, they were really accommodating and welcoming.

How do you use the award money from competitions?

We use the money we won from this competition to fund trips to other competitions. We use the money to pay for hotel costs, transportation costs, and registration costs for other competitions.

That unique aspect of Bhangra makes you love it so much that other forms of dance may not have?

Bhangra, to me, is a dance with a lot of energy and happiness. There a lot of dances like fusion which ask you to act out an emotion or a scene, but bhangra isn’t like that. Bhangra asks you to be happy and full of energy all the time, you get to put on cool costumes, and that drives me to love bhangra.

How has being on Duke Dhamaka enhanced your college experience?

I have made some of my best friends through Duke Dhamaka. I am always going to remember the retreats with the team and the weekends spent at competitions.

Is there anything you would like to say?

We were glad to come to AKD this year. B.E. a shout out to you guys, best of luck to your guys. You have a sick routine.