Gautamraj Murali, also known as Gautam and G-tam, is currently a graduate student at Purdue University. He has a masters degree in Industrial Engineering and chose this field because he was involved with supply chain managements, procurements, risk managements, and logistical work during his tenure as a quality engineer. His interest in process optimization and operations research also guided him towards that profession. After he graduates, he plans on entering the corporate world to pursue a career in managerial consulting or supply chain management. He also enjoys traveling, so any job that allows for that to happen would be ideal.
Cal Bhangra, established in 2009, was formed to promote awareness of the Punjabi culture at the University of California, Berkeley. They compete year-round in hopes of spreading Cal pride to all areas of the United States and aim to teach all audiences the art of Bhangra, so their passion can spread and their legacy can carry on.
Elliot YJ You, a senior at North Carolina State University, is an Arts Studies major with a concentration in music. He chose this path because he is passionate for music and felt that it would be something that he would thoroughly enjoy. After he graduates, he plans on moving to North Hollywood, California to pursue a career in dance. His goal is to get signed, by an agency, and work in the professional dance industry. One day he dreams to dance on tour, with artists like Chris Brown, Usher, Justin Timberlake, and Beyonce, and travel the world to teach dance workshops.
On January 23, 2016, eight Bollywood fusion and eight Bhangra dance teams will be meeting in Columbus, OH to compete in the first Desi Dance Network competition of 2016! Buckeye Mela provides an opportunity for the best South Asian dance teams to compete for a cash prize. Srujan aims to forge new ties among universities and South Asian communities while raising money charity.
As a Bollywood America Automatic Bid Competition, the Bollywood fusion winner of this competition will receive a bid to compete at the national championship competition-- Bollywood America on April 9th in Cleveland. Although there are six other Bollywood America auto-bid competitions, Buckeye Mela separates itself from the others by having a line up comprised of both Bhangra and Bollywood fusion teams. Disguised as two separate competitions in one night, the audience should be expecting a diverse showcase of styles.
The Desi Dance Network has made some great accomplishments. It has helped to connect dancers across North America and create a sub-culture of compassion, camaraderie, and an active community and platform for like-minded dancers to discuss, be critical, and innovate. The cross-pollination of ideas has accelerated the innovation of the circuit and there are so many teams taking risks and innovating. There is also a lot of great sharing of cultures with non-south-asian people coming into the circuit bringing their own twist to the definition of bollywood-fusion. It is interesting to see the transformation happening before our eyes.
