Ready? Set. Dance! As someone who has never danced before, I laughed at the idea of joining a college dance team. I imagined what being on a dance team meant: practicing each week, getting up on stage and twirling the night away. And I was correct, especially the twirling part. Joining the Cal Poly Andaaz Team turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made as a first year on campus, as I have found my home away from home. This community is built off of a foundation of dance, but in reality, it is a family full of compassionate, caring, and loving college students of all ages.Â
At Cal Poly Andaaz, dancers learn Bhangra, Bollywood, Classical and Hip Hop styles. Dancers teach workshops to all skill levels, and the instruction is very beginner-friendly. Just like I have found my community here in Cal Poly Andaaz, many other students have had similar experiences. I decided to interview some of the dancers in the club to get their perspectives and insights. These dancers have spent more than a year in Cal Poly Andaaz, and a common theme between them is that Andaaz has changed their life for the better. Andaaz helped shape who they are on this campus.Â
First, I asked them why they chose to join Andaaz. Whether they knew they wanted to dance in college or not, they all found dance to be a big part of their lives as soon as they joined Andaaz. Andaaz attracts people who have been dancing their entire lives, since they are able to learn complex steps. Many members joined Andaaz in order to further their dance journey. Andaaz also draws in new beginner dancers who are interested in Indian culture and tradition, but may be not as familiar with dance as others.Â
Second, I asked members what Andaaz meant to them. Everyone said the same thing: that Andaaz was their community. Andaaz is a constant in so many people’s lives; it acts as an escape from school life and academic stress. Dancing allows people to feel free and happy, and Andaaz allows students to find a community that welcomes everyone with open arms. Andaaz is a family where you can trust and rely on one another while working as a unit.Â
Next, I asked my fellow dancers what Andaaz has brought into their lives. Some answered that Andaaz introduced new friendships and meaningful connections into their lives. There is something so freeing about being able to express yourself to others through dance and connecting to the people around you. Everyone comes from a different background, major and skill level, yet everyone brings the same energy. Andaaz has brought memories and joy into so many people’s lives, especially by introducing so many new dance techniques and cultures.Â
Finally, I asked why people should join Andaaz. The dancers on the team highlighted that Andaaz is a great way to get physical exercise while also making memories that last a lifetime. You also gain a handful of dance moves to pull out of your pocket during your next dance circle. The people make everything so worth it, and the environment relaxes everyone in order for them to bring out their true self. Not only are these friendships with everyone present just at dance practice, but through any scenario you may encounter in life.
 It is always fun to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. I certainly did and it was totally worth it! Exploring new dance forms has helped me with my mental health and finding a community in a new environment. To so many people the Andaaz team is home, and I know that I found my perfect community through Andaaz.Â