I had an amazing time at the comp this weekend, despite the many technical difficulties. There was hardly a crowd in the auditorium, most of the crowd support for teams was coming from the other teams themselves. Definitely expected a bigger crowd. Also, sucks the intro videos didnt work out, those are a great pump up. The sound was terrible, but I understand that the speakers blew out so it was a decent save. The speakers took too much of stage space that the teams planned on utilizing during tech, so that threw some of the teams and their formations off. The organizers of the show did a pretty good job with their hospitality towards the team. There was plenty of food and water available for the dancers. The dressing rooms, though they were just rooms, were pretty spacious.
After party, the venue was perfect for the crowd. Dance floor was separated from the bar, there were a couple of pool tables for people to chill with. DJs weren't on top of their game... at least use automix guys instead of stopping in between songs lol. The 21+ rule was kinda lame... but its Albany so understandable i guess lol
Reviews for the teams: I got to watch most of the teams perform. Each team had something to bring, and definitely did a great job.
Columbia - Seems like you guys lost a lot of dancers since blowout. The routine was good, but execution was off on some points. One of your guys was pretty much walking half the routine. Formations were cool but sloppy at times. You guys have a lot of potential, just get your dancers on the same level. Also, def get more nakhra into the routine, and clean it up.
LJM - Haven't seem your video from Texas so I dont have much to compare it to. You guys have some really good dancers on your team, but last minute practices are really not going to get you guys far. Your formations were off, some dancers were forgetting the moves. It was evident as to who was responsible for most of the choreo, because they were the ones that were executing it properly. Also, the truskool vardiyan are hot, but def get on top of getting your own soon. The blue and white Case Western vardis looked out of place with the rest. Kinnel, you're a great dancer, but you need to get the rest of your team to your level. When only one or two people stick out, it looks bad. Also, the "I know you want me" segment, great idea, but it dragged on way too much. Cut it short, add some dhol loops to it or something. The first chorus was fine, but after that it was too much. Shout outs to Sabi, Akshay, and Vik, nice seein u guys!
AEG - Definitely one of the most creative routines I have seen in a very very long time. Nakhra from all of the dancers was amazing. There were too many little mistakes in it though. Formations during the props segment were too tight, definitely space them out more and clean them up. I dont want to give anything away by bringing up each segment, but as a whole definitely clean it up. You ending mela - AMAZING. The stunts, I dont think you guys need them. They took away from the performance more than anything. Your guys have a crazy high energy and creative routine, dont push the limit though. Adding the stunts was too much. Clean up the routine and you guys wont have any problems at Boston.
Virsa - Singer was good, Jabar killed it on the tumbi haha. One of the cleanliest performances of the night. You guys kept it simple, and it seems to work out for you guys. I still think you can be more creative though. Energy was decent, some of the dancers were really sticking out with low energy towards the ending. Overall, very folk routine, very graceful, but add some more creativity to it to keep the audience on edge. Sunny, you and your high kicks, truly a monster lol
Bankian Naaran - VERY folk, very clean. very simple though, with the routine and the formations. Add more energy, as well as more of a variety in your dancing. Good facial expressions on all of the girls throughout. Jumps were unclean, especially in the ending. Add more creativity and more of a crowd pumper and you guys will def place higher.
UVA Bhangra - Definitely repping Virginia hard. Very clean and energetic performance. Great utilization of the stage, I personally thought they would place higher. Blue jodi killed it! Keep up the good work, you guys are definitely a team to watch out for this year!
Cornell Bhangra - Missed your performance, sorry
Virginia Tech Bhangra - Definitely exceeded my expectations. This teams got a lot of potential. Did a great job with the choreo as well as their execution. Im not feeling the fits too much, definitely look into jodis. You guys were a lot more cleaner than the last time I saw you (which was from OSU i believe). Keep up the good work, Definitely a team to watch out for.
SMD - WOW. These girls surprised everyone. Definitely the best routine I have seen from SMD. Very creative, and extremely high energy. And the girls all killed it with amazing nakhra and grace without killing their energy. I absolutely love the Jhummar and Seeti segments. Definitely clean up on your props, I think you guys can be a lot more creative with the sapps and dangs segment. Clean up the jumps as well. I agree with faizan, there were a few mistakes that kept you guys from placing higher. DEFINITELY a team to wtch out for, these girls are bringing it with crazy ferocity!
Gajjdi Jawani - Didn't get to see them, sorry
Shoutout to the SMD girls, had a great time kickin it with all of you!
Kinnel, just remember, I WILL outdrink you haha, see you next weekend!
Navi Sandhu and Onkar Singh, best dancers, you knew it was coming! Keep it up guys
Everyone else, it was great meeting you all, hopefully see some of you at Boston
