Raas is one of three Indian dance teams on campus and performs at multiple shows in the Bay Area throughout the year, including Spotlite, held annually at MVHS in May. The all-female dance group is currently in the process of putting together its new team and preparing for the upcoming season. Captains senior Riyana Patel and senior Nandita Somayaji, as well as member sophomore Aarushi Shah discuss Raas, the team and tryouts.
El Estoque: What is Raas?
Riyana Patel: Raas is basically a traditional type of dance that originated from a state in India called Gujarat. It’s very old school and classical and consists of Dandia sticks, twirling, Garba dancing; it’s very crazy and fun and definitely energetic.
Nandita Somayaji: The Raas that we do has a modern take. We’ve taken the traditional religious style and perform on stage with formations and on a more upbeat scale.
EE: What does the tryout process consist of?
Patel: We have two Friday [sessions] where we invite everyone to come learn the tryout routine. We tell them what we want and how to perfect it and then the week after, we have tryouts. Basically how it works is two people try out at the same time and after they perform the routine twice, we ask them why they want to be on Raas and other questions to see how they would fit on the team. We look for things like high knees, energy, their smiles and little things that make a big difference on stage.
Watch the video below to see a few members teach some steps that are essential to Raas, as well as to the team’s tryout routine!
EE: What’s one reason people should try out for Raas?
Aarushi Shah: It’s not just about dance; you form a really close team that becomes like your family.
Patel: Most people would consider Raas to be like their second family and we somehow understand each other through everything and we’re really hardworking and supportive of each other.
EE: How hard is it for people new to Raas to adjust to the unique dance style?
Somayaji: I hadn’t done Raas or Garba before joining the team, but usually anyone who has a good background in dance can make the adjustment quickly. The skills you need in Raas are the same as the basic ones you need in most types of dances, so it’s not that hard after some practice.
Patel: Even people who have never danced before tryout and it takes them some more time, but they adjust well too.
EE: What makes Raas unique from other dance teams on campus?
Patel: I’ve always loved Raas as a dance team because it’s very unique. Obviously, I appreciate the other ones on campus, but there are a lot of bhangra and bollywood teams out there. Raas teams usually are pretty rare.
Somayaji: Being on a Raas team is just a very unique experience, because the dance style is something not a lot of people have seen before.
For more information, visit Raas’ Facebook page for tryouts and workshops, both of which will be held at Kennedy Middle School every Friday from Sept. 25 to Oct. 9.
