On February 19, Padua was given the opportunity to hold the second India-Pakistan Project of the school year. This time, the theme for the project was the different dances of India. Members of the Jhankaar Indian Dance Troupe and the Charter School of Wilmington’s Bollywood club presented a wonderful display of dancing and attire that captured the essence of Indian culture in a unique way.

Some schools that attended to join a morning packed with dancing of India included the Charter School of Wilmington, Ursuline Academy, and St. Elizabeth High School. Students learned about and observed the three types of Indian dance, including classical, folk, and Bollywood. Women of the dance troupe began the event by performing various dance sequences of the seven types of classical Indian dance, followed by a brief Indian folk dance piece performed by one of the members of the troupe.

Even though the performance was very intriguing, the India-Pakistan’s mission is not just to entertain. Its goal is to provide these students with a one-of-a-kind learning experience. After a few sequences in a row were performed, the troupe described each one of the dances, explaining the significance and meaning behind every movement. The student body learned that the intricate hand movements executed during the dance were actually Indian dance’s own sign language. These signs are intended to evoke particular feelings among audiences and are carefully planned out for each move.

Directors of the troupe informed all how the history of Indian dance was complicated. Before receiving independence decades ago, India was under British rule and dance was prohibited.  After the 1940s, India entered a culture rich with a culmination of dances from around the world and other expressions of freedom. Some of these expressions included the clothing of India. The event ended with a colorful display of a variety of Indian women’s attire, from the traditional sari to more western-introduced outfits with skirts. The sari takes many hours to put on because it is one piece of cloth, measuring to 6 yards long.

After the classical and folk dances were complete, members of Charter’s Bollywood club charmed the audience with the exhilarating moves of Bollywood dance. They later explained how a majority of Indian movies are musicals and that the songs provided in these movies are used in Bollywood dancing. This leads to often more expressive movements. Senior Abby H. explained her time at the event with, “I enjoyed the different styles of dance they showed us, especially the Bollywood performances. I think the most interesting part was seeing the clothing and traditional jewelry the instructors were wearing.” Very young members of the troupe also danced, showing the audience how Indian dance is usually first learned when girls and boys are about three to four years old. After all dances were complete, directors of the troupe invited students onto the stage to attempt at the various dances performed. This was definitely a memorable event that students from these schools will cherish for many years to come.