Rangila

Rangila is an annual South Asian dance showcase. First held in 1995, Rangila raises money for a different South Asia-based nonprofit each year.

History

Rangila was first held in 1995 by the South Asian Society1 and has developed into an annual tradition, typically held in Gaston Hall. From 2007 to 2010, dancer participation more than doubled2. In 2013, Rangila had to place some interested students on a waitlist for the first time3, a testament to the event's growing profile and popularity. In 2014, Rangila was held at the Kennedy Center due to issues with the Gaston Hall stage4. While the event had to adopt a virtual format for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rangila returned to an in-person format in Gaston Hall for 20225. 

Structure

Rangila is a Hindi word meaning "colorful"6. The event, which is almost always held during the fall in Gaston Hall, features a unique theme every year. For instance, the spring 2022 theme was "Revive" since Rangila was returning to an in-person format for the first time in two years7. Philanthropy is a central part of Rangila's mission, and the organization chooses a nonprofit to raise funds for every year. Past recipients include Edu-GIRLS8, Distressed Children and Infants International9, among others.

The event has historically featured about 500 dancers, 1500 audience members, and raised $30,000 for charity10, though these numbers have changed somewhat in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dancers do not need previous experience, though some students may be placed on a waitlist in years where interest exceeds the number of open spots. 

Rangila features a variety of dances, prioritizing South Asian music but also incorporating other musical styles and traditions11. Past performances have included traditional South Asian music, pop, and rap12. The 2019 performance, Rangila's 25th anniversary, featured a band called Saaz comprised of Georgetown community members that played its own original pieces13.

• 1"The Hoya Community Calendar". The Hoya. 17 November 1995.
• 2DeVincenzo, Kathryn. "Road to Rangila: Preparations Near Finish." The Hoya. 19 November 2010.
• 3Zawora, Christopher. "Rangila Participation Capped." The Hoya. 10 September 2013.
• 4Miller, Ryan. "Rangila relocates from Gaston Hall to Kennedy Center." The Georgetown Voice. 6 November 2014.
• 5Scott, Liam. "South Asian Dance Showcase Rangila Emerges from Pandemic." The Hoya. 29 April 2022.
• 6Rangila, Rangila Reimagined. https://rangila.carrd.co/.
• 7Scott, Liam. "South Asian Dance Showcase Rangila Emerges from Pandemic." The Hoya. 29 April 2022.
• 8Scott, Liam. "South Asian Dance Showcase Rangila Emerges from Pandemic." The Hoya. 29 April 2022.
• 9Ediriweera, Minoli. "South Asian Philanthropic Dance Showcase Rangila Raises Over $25,000." The Hoya. 2 December 2022.
• 10Friedman, Rachel. "Rangila Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary". The Hoya. 13 September 2019.
• 11Friedman, Rachel. "Rangila Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary". The Hoya. 13 September 2019.
• 12Friedman, Rachel. "Rangila Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary". The Hoya. 13 September 2019.
• 13Friedman, Rachel. "Rangila Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary". The Hoya. 13 September 2019.