'Ghungroo' Performances Sell Out

An audience of about 450 people attended the South Asian Association's "Ghungroo" performance at Agassiz Theater Friday night.

Friday night was the second of three performances. The show began Thursday night and ended Saturday. All three performances were sold out.

The three-hour event included cultural displays of dancing, poetry reading and singing from different areas of South Asia. It is described by South Asian Association (SAA) members as a "cultural extravaganza" that represents a culmination of several months of rehearsals and planning.

Among the acts were Bharata Natyam, a classical dance of facial expression and complex footwork; Kathak, a dance stlyle inspired by the Krishna legend; and traditional Bhangra, a festive Punjabi dance of love and patriotism.

"On one level, all forms of art express the innate human desire to dance," said SAA Co-President Vipin Goyal '98, introducing the show.

The performers wore traditional costumes and the dancers wore ghungroo, which means "anklets."

"Ghungroo" was produced by Goyal and SAA Co-President Mallar Bhattacharya '98. Bhattacharya said he appreciated the opportunity to get to know everybody better and learn about different cultures.

"You get the experience of disseminating different cultures and, at the same time, learn more about yourself," he said.

Sharon Sudarshan '97, a dancer in the show, noted the international spirit of "Ghungroo."

"It is an incredible show," she said. "This is probably SAA's main event that brings a lot of people together."

Audience members showed just as much enthusiasm as the performers.

"The energy and enthusiasm were very high and it looks so great that I might join next year," said Sonesh S. Chainani '99.

"I think it's great," said Vi T. Nguyen '99. "The performers had so much energy."

Parents were also among Friday night's audience.

Ira SenGupta, mother of Devi SenGupta '98, came from Seattle to watch her daughter sing Ghazal and Nazrul Geeti--Urdu and Bengali songs of unfulfilled love.

"I came here last year and I think all of the performers are wonderful," she said. "These students are all second generation and yet they are performing flawlessly."

"As a first generation, it is great to see the kids follow in the traditions," she added.

Saturday's final performance was attended by alumni of "Ghungroo."