Club Spotlight: Shakti
By AVNI MURARKA and DIYA SANDEEP
Every Sunday, from five to six p.m., the third floor of Goel lights up with the sound of music and dance. Here the dance club Shakti practices their new choreography and prepares to perform Bollywood dance and music to the Exeter community. From performing at E/A Pep Rallies and the Exeter Diwali celebration, Shakti is an essential part of Exeter’s dance clubs, the club community, and the members who dance in it every week.
Shakti holds a special place in the hearts of Exonians as our Bollywood dance club that celebrates Bollywood music and Indian culture. For many South Asian students, it provides a way for them to connect to their culture and feel more at home, regardless of how far they’ve come. Upper Muralini Mohan mentioned that she really “enjoy[s] the atmosphere that [they] have and also it’s really fun to listen to Indian music outside of just in my headphones and be able to enjoy it with other people that understand.”
Co-head Laavanya Rasiah added that “Shakti is meaningful for her because it’s a way for people of all cultures to be able to explore Desi culture and it’s a lens into Bollywood, which is not often talked about or discussed, especially in places like New Hampshire.” Prep Srisha Boinapalli concurred, saying she finds Shakti special “because they can share their Desi culture with the whole school.”
But the club isn’t just limited to those who have grown up with Indian music and culture. It’s open to anyone who’s interested. Rasiah expressed that they’re very excited to have a variety of members and that “anyone can join regardless of their culture, and we would love to have you because it’s a place to enjoy Bollywood dancing, and it doesn’t matter where you’re from or if you have zero dance experience whatsoever.”
Mohan said that what has really stuck with her is that despite their tight schedule, their old co-head encouraged them to “embrace her inner Sheila [a reference to popular Bollywood song - Sheila Ki Jawani], and that pushed [her] to get the dance and not just get all the moves down, but also add some personality into it and make it into [their own].” Rasiah also remarked fondly on their old co-head, saying “she has pushed us to have lots of energy in our dances and would use phrases like zest and release your inner Sheila.”
Rasiah notes about the club that “there’s just a very good community and lots of jokes, but we still take it seriously, and it’s a lot of fun every single time Everyone can explore Bollywood culture together.” Mohan agreed, mentioning that the atmosphere is “just a lot more laid back, and I feel like the community here is just a lot more caring than the Bollywood dancing that [she has previously] done.”
Boinapalli included that she “loves the energy and the inside jokes,” as well as citing a few of her favorite memories as part of the club. She also mentioned how she really enjoyed brainstorming potential ideas for their choreo and goofing off after performances, saying the only thing she would change is that she hopes “more people would join [them] because there aren’t that many people in the club.”
As co-head, Rasiah also gave us a peek into the club’s future. She says that they’re “currently working on choreography for three songs. Character Dheela, Desi Boys, and Laila Main Laila.” This term, they will be performing at the dance showcase and also during Pep Rally, so make sure to show them some support at their upcoming events.