Dhvani Shah: Transcending Boundaries

Dhvani Shah

Dhvani Bhangra

Dhvani Bharatanatyam

Name: Dhvani Shah

Year: Freshman

Major: Exploratory

Hometown: Skokie, IL

Dance History: Bharatanatyam, Bhangra

Dhvani Shah came to Indiana University wanting to challenge herself. She found opportunities to grow through her academics, and was further able to push herself by joining HooSher Bhangra. Dhvani has been a dancer for over 10 years, but previous to college only practiced Bharatanatyam. Now as a bhangra dancer, she feels even more connected to Indian culture. Since she does not speak her mother tongue of gujarati, she claims to be connected to American culture 90% of the time. She describes her identity as “American-Indian” instead of as “Indian-American,” giving American culture greater weight due to differing levels of cultural exposure she has had. Therefore, she uses dance as the bridge between her two cultures. Even being a part of the Indian Student Association has helped negotiate her identity. For her, dance has a very informative purpose, as “it helps Indian-Americans learn more since a lot of Indian-Americans aren’t aware of their own culture.” At IU, Dhvani does not believe there is one cohesive culture, since every individual has their own unique background. However, at least by being a part of HooSher Bhangra, she is able to combat the plurality of experiences with a common cultural narrative. She explains that “in classes you can bond like hey I’m a Hudson and Holland Scholar or we have the same major, but it’s different and deeper connecting on a cultural level.” Her dancing abilities even allow her to transcend imaginary regional boundaries that have translated from the mainland. Bharatanatyam is a traditional south Indian dance, but Dhvani is of north Indian descent. Therefore, by practicing the dance form, she now has a tool she can use to connect to the south indian community. However, she also uses bhangra to connect to people outside of the conventional indian audience, such as her American peers. In order to reach these alternative audiences, the bhangra circuit has “assimilated to parts of the American culture” by mixing in American songs, but also sticking its traditional elements. Where school only offers a one-sided perspective, “with the performing arts, you’re able to use your creative side, since it can help you think better.” With three years ahead of her, Dhvani is sure to continue her dance career. She feels, “I am internally motivated to continue, because after learning what it’s about it makes sense as to why I am doing it.”