About seven years ago, a group of South’s students dents auditioned for Variety Show. This informal group of friends evolved into the school-sanctioned, structured, and rigorous club striving to bring South Asian culture to South known as Bhangra Beatz, Sejal Schullo, Bhangra Beatz Sponsor, said. They now perform for numerous occasions such as pep rallies, South Asian Student Association (SASA) Night, and more, Schullo added.

From practicing in friends’ basements when the club was first created, to now, practicing three to four times a week at school, Bhangra Beatz diligently prepares for their performances, Schullo said. After school practices provide dance skills and connections between student dancers, freshman Ayona Jacob, Bhangra Beatz dancer, said.

“[Rehearsals are] very light-hearted because all of the dances are choreographed and taught by the seniors,” Jacob said. “There [is] a sense of community [in rehearsal].”

Schullo appreciates when others get the chance to see the effort that dancers put into their routines, she said. Bhangra Beatz represents South Asian culture through these routines, Schullo explained.

“I love hearing from people who don’t know the language, don’t understand the music, [or] have no training in [South Asian] dances, and yet, they still [say], ‘Oh my gosh, it was so good,’” Schullo said. “[Bhangra Beatz has] done its job. [It has] created these connections [and] bridges between cultures that are important.

Bhangra Beatz is an opportunity for South students to interact with other students and break down grade barriers, senior Michelle Jose said. Both upperclassmen and lowerclassmen have the chance to be friends and spend time with each other, forming bonds through dance and a shared culture, Jose added.

“Bhangra Beatz has created a lot of friendships for me,” Jose said. “I’ve become closer to so many people because of it. It is a way that we can connect not [just because of] our [cultural] background but [dancing is] also an activity that we like to do.”