Columbia University's bhangra team's third place performance at Bhangra Blowout XV at George Washington University in 2008.
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The previous thread with Atinder`s Blowout video was just bursting with so much positive energy and thoughtful, intelligent discussion that I thought I really needed to start something new to post up our proper video (no offense to Atinder, this angle just works better). Here is a link to a better angle from directly in front so the formations are more clearly visible. It includes our intro video, since the Blowout committee failed to play it for us at the show. Sorry about the shaky cam, I spliced in a second camera at some parts to reduce that. I`ve also dubbed in the mix that you all love so much. Feel free to rip it for yourselves, you know, in case you plan on dancing at a Gujarati wedding in the near future.
After dancing on Columbia Bhangra for 4 years and serving as co-captain for the past 3 of them, I`ve grown accustomed to the level of praise that POLers have showered us with over the years, but you guys really outdid yourselves in the most recent thread (excepting, of course, the unprecedented acclaim we received for CU Squared). Needless to say, I`m extremely thankful and humbled by your kind words, and I ask only that you all continue to show other teams the same courtesy you`ve shown us.
In all honesty, though, I`m a bit confused by some of the reactions to our most recent video. It`s no shock to me that many (if not most) members of POL don`t like our style. Surprise! It`s not for you. Sukhbir isn`t traditional? Whoops. I`ll keep that in mind the next time Columbia Bhangra competes at Bhangra Nation. We didn`t dance to any new songs? Hm, and here I thought Jassi Sidhu`s Ama ni Ama was the hottest new joint around. You ask us to be traditional, and then claim we use "cheesy moves that throw everything off." Well I may be wrong, but I`m pretty sure we were the only team there that demonstrated our knowledge of the traditional Paneeri beats of Punjab. As much as I`d love to go on forever debating the definition of traditionality in North American bhangra and what elements belong in a competitive bhangra setting, I just don`t believe that too many of you are up to the task.
In 3 years of leading this team, I`ve never felt the need to post on POL in our defense. Today, however, after my final performance as captain of Columbia Bhangra, I want to ask the POL haters one question: What is it that bothers you more, the fact that I have a trophy that`s taller than you for dancing "super duper fudhu"? Or is it the fact that I have 4 of them?
Hans Sahni
Columbia Bhangra
P.S. This message is not directed at those of you who actually did attempt to provide us with positive criticism. We know that there is always room for improvement, and we appreciate your honest feedback.
Thank you also to the captains and members of the other teams I?ve performed beside in the past at Blowout and other competitions. It?s been a great 4 years, and I wish you all the best of luck in the future with bhangra and otherwise.
