Taal Ki Tufaan (Competition) - December 3rd, 2011 - *3rd Place*
Dhamaka was excited to participate in the first annual Taal Ki Tufaan competition held by NC State. We love participating in local competitions not only because they are convenient, but also because it helps establish our presence in the local community and because the audience is more personal and our supporters come to cheer us on. For that reason, Taal Ki Tufaan was an incredible experience. Attending a competition with another Duke team for the second time this semester, it was great having the support of Duke DBS Raas and being able to support them as well. Even though we unexpectedly had to dance on an incredibly small stage, we were able to put together a clean and powerful run that we were all proud of. We were proud to bring home the third place crown, and we had a blast celebrating with all of our best friends, from both Dhamaka and Raas. We hope to build on our success here and continue the winning spirit in the coming semesters! Check out our performance here!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npt2O_cW88E. Download the mix here! http://soundcloud.com/duke-dhamaka/dhamaka-taal-ki-tufaan
Awaaz - November 4th & 5th, 2011
A-What? AWAAZ! Duke Dhamaka was back to headline Duke's largest student-run production. A week after competing at UNC for AKD, Dhamaka came back home to the familiar turf of Page Auditorium and killed the set one more time. With almost every dancer in multiple Awaaz pieces (as per usual with Dhamaka) and with both of the Awaaz co-chairs and one Diya president on the team, getting the team dressed and ready to perform was interesting, to say the least, but the team made the most of it on stage. Dhamaka was again a crowd favorite and despite a couple wardrobe malfunctions, both nights of the show were flawless. Awaaz will always be the most fun performance for this group of dancers, and it wouldn't be so without the support of our friends and most importantly our families who make the trip to watch us from the audience. As Jiten Solanki puts it best: "Ladies and gentlemen, behold an epic spectacle. Brought to you by the masters of dance, please welcome the unparalleled, the legendary, DUKE DHAMAKA!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27HX51sb6_4
Download the mix here! http://soundcloud.com/duke-dhamaka/dhamaka-awaaz-2011-akd-2011
Download the mix here! http://soundcloud.com/duke-dhamaka/dhamaka-awaaz-2011-akd-2011
Aaj Ka Dhamaka (Competition) - October 29th, 2011
Dhamaka was back at Aaj Ka Dhamaka after a year's hiatus to represent Duke alongside Dhoom at North Carolina's most prestigious dance competition. Only about a month and a half into our dance season, AKD really put the pressure on our dancers early. With several brand new Dhamakans competing and a few others competing for the first time, AKD was the perfect competition to break everyone in and give them competition and stage experience. As captains, we expected a learning curve - with the bright stage lights, the blaring music, and the hundreds of spectators, nerves are typically a big issue for first time competitors. This team was different. Each of our new dancers danced better than (s)he ever had. Each took the spotlight and made it theirs. Each danced confidently. And for that reason, we put on a great show, one that set the tone for the rest of the season. A special shoutout to NC State Bhangra for helping us with a couple of our paghan, and to the Duke Dhoom dancers for helping make this weekend a blast! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=684kfak4lcY
Homecoming - September 23rd, 2011
After only five practices, Dhamaka put on a high energy, powerful, and surprisingly coordinated show at Duke's most hype event. Dancing in front of peers, alumni, siblings, and even President Broadhead, Dhamaka lived up to its high expectations by leaving the crowd to a deafening roar. The supportive and enthusiastic crowd was perfect for us all - willing us through the set as well as encouraging our several first time dancers to put on a show to remember. Dhamaka is so appreciative of President Broadhead for the opportunity to headline his Homecoming Ball, and to show our appreciation, we bring the fire, despite limited practice time. "We talkin' 'bout practice?!" -Allen Iverson. Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk4dHAEKv4Q