Making it Big in Bollywood Dance

I’ve finally found my claim to fame: Bollywood Dance.

Ok, so maybe that’s a bit of an overstatement, but just yesterday I got to perform along with the rest of the USAC Bollywood Dance class on the main auditorium stage filled with incredibly talented dancers.  Christ University hosted a dance competition, and graciously allowed us to perform during the intermission.  All the dancers were incredible!  Each dance had a deeper significance — they were beautifully performed and offered a beautiful message to the audience.  And then there was us…all smiles, boldly going where I’m sure no one of us had ever dreamed, with nothing in mind other than trying to remember the steps that we’d spent months practicing.  Midwest girl makes it big in Bollywood.

I’m  not going to lie, this has definitely been my favorite class here.  All of the early morning practices were totally worth it once we were on stage dancing along to the cheers of the audience (was it only the small group of USAC students sitting in the front?).  Nonetheless, it was an unforgettable experience.  It felt great to really be a part of something.  Not only were we being exposed to the culture of the place in which we were studying, but we were actively participating in it.

Studying in India has forced me to step outside of my comfort zone in ways that I didn’t even think was possible — Bollywood Dance being a perfect example.  I’m so grateful for my time here, all of the opportunities that I’ve been able to take advantage of, and all of the connections I have made that I’m sure will turn into long lasting relationships.