On Feb. 1, Bollywood teams from across the Bay Area gathered at Irvington High School to perform at Dile Se, the school’s annual Bollywood dance showcase. The event celebrated diverse routines and brought together passionate dancers from different communities.
Earning a spot in Dil Se requires intense preparation and auditions, with each team driven by their love for dance and the opportunity to perform on Irvington’s stage. This year, Amador Valley’s own Bollywood team, Dhamaka, secured a spot in the show, delivering an exhilarating routine for the Bay Area audience.
“Dil Se is the first and biggest showcase of the year, and it is important to the Bollywood teams around the Bay Area because it’s when we all get to meet each other, see each other’s performances for the first time, and cheer each other on,” said Dhamaka captain Amishi Anand (‘25).
A Tradition of Connection and Celebration
For years, Dil Se served as a gathering for Bollywood dance teams to unite through their shared passion for dance. The event features teams from across the Bay, allowing students to connect with dancers they wouldn’t usually meet.
“My favorite part about Dil Se is just connecting with all the other kids in the Bay. Especially South Bay [students], because we get to meet kids from Irvington and Monta Vista,” said Avi Marwah (‘26).
The Performance Experience
The day starts as teams check in and enter the school, team by team. When it’s their turn to perform, they wait by the wings, eagerly anticipating the moment they step on stage. After weeks of dedication, they finally get to showcase their hard work in front of a packed audience.
“We had practice two to three times a week leading up to the Dil Se and we made sure that everyone who was there knew their parts and formations,” said Gauri Bhatia (‘25).
Now that Dil Se has concluded, Dhamaka looks ahead to many more performances in the future. With continued practice and preparation, they will keep energizing audiences and doing what they love most– dancing.
