To try to imagine a college festival without dance events would be a futile exercise. The Dance Club of BITS Pilani, spearheaded by its coordinator Parikshit Parate, will be adding to the culture of dance this Oasis. The pressure of performing up to its past standards is high, but the club is prepared to go out all guns blazing.
This year, DC will have four routines instead of their usual three. They will be organising the highly anticipated ‘Razmatazz’ and ‘Desert Duel’, and will be participating in the two kernel dance events organised by the Department of Theatre – Street Dance and Choreo. Apart from choreography, practice routines and other performance related work, it is also currently involved in logistical work like rulebook fixing and registrations. Parikshit noted that the club has not run into any major hurdles yet. He is, however, wary of potential difficulties during the fest.
Apart from its debut participation in Choreo, there are other things the club is doing differently this year. DC’s inaugural dances will reportedly accommodate the latest trends and dance forms from around the world, and will include new props such as glow sticks. Parikshit acknowledged the elite standards of Dance events in Oasis, given the competition from some of the best dance outfits around the country. However, he also mentioned that it has always been a great learning experience for the club, and urged his team to display innovation and vigour in their routines.
When asked about his experience as coordinator, Parikshit talked about the trade-off between the feeling of elation and the weight of the responsibility that comes with the position. He is not only responsible for his performance, but for that of the Dance Club as a unit as well. For the Bitsian masses, he encouraged the showcasing of moves at the open stage enthusiasm sessions the club is planning before their performances.