NYC Event #1: Bollywood

One of the events that I went to was to the Bollywood show, which actually took place at Lehman College. A few students from our own Macaulay Honors College put together a club for Bollywood dance, and this was their second year putting on a performance.

I didn’t really know what to expect, since I’d never been to a Bollywood performance before. The most of Bollywood that I knew was from the Indian musicals/dramas that I watch. These movies were actually what inspired me to go to the performance, since I always admired the choreography and talent that was expressed.

We waited on line for quite some time before they let us into the room where the performance would be held. But let me tell you, once they opened the doors, and we stepped inside, it was like stepping in to a world of culture. The club officials led us through a doorway and into an area covered in so many little Christmas lights, that it made for the perfect subtle illumination to the dark room. We were seated at set tables and waited for the show to begin.

That, however, did not happen for a long time. The first act that we got to see was a dance number done by two little girls, both maybe about nine years old. And I don’t know how long they must have practiced to give such a fun and enjoyable performance. They moved so in tune to the music and to each other that it really showed the amount of effort they put into this. Later on, a movie was played that was basically an interview of the club members. This was a really touching collection of videos that genuinely conveyed the friendship and growth between these ladies. It showed clips of them during practice, and their answers to questions about the club.

Then, the final performance actually started. The music started to play, and the girls all took their places on the stage. And they danced with such joy and passion that it was nearly impossible not to be moved and captivated by their movements. They ensued with each step so in sync that you would think every person was an extension of the other. It was truly magnificent.

Later on, they ended the event with Indian cuisine and desserts, along with a seemingly endless stream of pictures, hugs, flowers, and smiles. The entire affair was so much fun, and I cannot even wait to see what this group has in store for next year. Hopefully, they will keep this club going because they offer such a creative and unique experience to their viewers.