Dance Team:
Gatoraas
Gatoraas is the University of Florida's Premier Garba-Raas team under the Indian Student Association. Through this dance team I have had the opportunity to learn about the Indian dance culture, music, and religion. Additionally, it allowed me to not only perform in school shows, such as the annual Asian American Student Assembly, but also in other states. We, as a team, have travelled to countless cities: Orlando, Tampa, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Saint Louis, Blacksburg, and Houston, in order to compete with other universities.
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Being part of this dance group has once again showcased to me how culture can unite a group of people, and how it should be celebrated and treasured. I was able to perform in Indian festivities and important holidays like Diwali, Holi, and Garba and understand their meaning and reason. It reminded me of how diverse the world is and how fun it can be to immerself oneself in other cultures.
Photo taken at Raas Rampage competition in Orlando hosted by University of Central Florida. It was the first time we had placed since 2019. So many alum, parents, and friends came to support us! (January, 2023).
Photo taken at Holi by ISA on campus. Holi is known as the Festival of Colors, Love and Spring. It celebrates the eternal love of Hindu deities Radha and Krishna, and the triumph of good over evil. ISA provided us with color powder we could throw at each other, and a fire truck that hosed us down! (March, 2023).
Photo taken at Garba by ISA on campus. Garba is a form of Gujarati dance. Traditional garbas are usually performed around a centrally lit lamp, picture, or statue of the Hindu goddess Shakti. We girls wore chaniya cholis, while the guys wore kurtas! (October, 2022).