**CORNELL BHANGRA @ BIB 7 - 2nd Place**

[karandeol]

I loved the phummaniya/sial koti segment!
The dhamaal didn't hit very hard for me though, but the two guys doing baitka kinda pulled my attention towards them. And the doppler swoosh effect was definitely overused.


Congratulations! ;D

 

[Kaur]

Anik!! Your smile wohoooo, your chadra grrrrrr. I will facebook you my critique. Congrats

 

[Kartik]

Note: I'm currently still super biased because I'm a recent alumnus of Cornell. But then again everyone is biased as hell so who cares!


Let's use numbers for fun!


1) I had a great time watching this performance.


Regardless of any context, this performance in of itself was fantastic to watch. As tends to always be the case, I agree completely with most of Karthik's first paragraph:

What you guys seem to do better than most teams is you have specific ideas and concepts and you fully develop them. I can see and appreciate the thought process that went into this set, and I thought that the most impressive part was when your two guys do a million betkaan, that was smart and very effective.

This is why I think this performance was fantastic. Nothing is random. Nothing is by accident. There's no 4-8 beats of just chilling or running around. Every single formation serves a purpose. Everything is a full, complete, well-executed story. Not just a collection of ideas and transitions. And this is only possible because these sets get worked on for thousands of hours.


2) I really enjoyed the "Bhangra" creativity.


As much as the folkies hate on your performance, it's awesome that you guys put effort into appealing to them too. As Karan pointed out, the phumaniya/sial koti/reverse phumaniya segment was dope. You guys do new stuff just with different Bhangra elements and it's so much more refreshing than watching the same thing over and over and over again.


3) This is not the same Cornell that we would see at a comp like WBBC.


You guys adapt. I know that's what Cornell's all about. There was no bizarre psychotic incredible ending or magic trick props. Yes, you used 2-3 ideas (no segments I don't think) from WBBC in a much more toned-down manner, and I look forward to seeing how you evolve and create new ideas next semester.


p.s. Damn, there's SO MUCH MOVEMENT in this set, especially props segments, holy smokes that was intense. I like that you focused a ton of that kind of stuff instead of gimmicks for this particular comp. Next semester let's see some TRAPS!


4) Hmm...

First of all, a successful dance team is not defined purely by its dancing talent.

This is the problem. It really should be. Kind of like saying a successful basketball team is not defined purely by its basketball talent.

Audience reaction is cute, but should not trump the importance of raw talent.

lol what?


That analogy is so far from true, apart from the fact that it's terribly irrelevant. First off, a dance team's success is NOTHING like a basketball team's success because of the ridiculous number of elements that go into subjective evaluation (judging). How can you say that the success of a dance team isn't also based on their formations, their mix, their CHOREOGRAPHY, their gimmicks, etc. etc. etc. If success was based purely on dance talent you could put 12 of the best dancers in the world on stage in a straight line without music and have them win every competition.

Second, your basketball analogy in of itself has issues because clubs with fantastic talent fail all the time because it takes other aspects to be successful such as well designed plays, team chemistry, etc. (see: Brooklyn Nets). Success is not based PURELY on any one factor, and that is verbatim what Madhuri said.


Yes, you can argue that dancing talent should be the most important factor in your opinion, and that is why we have rubrics which tell us how the 10-15 important factors play into a team's success.


6) Lots of constructive criticism for you guys! Some points to focus on will definitely be general dancer development, as always, continuing the flow of some segments (as has been pointed out and we've discussed), and I agree with Anurag as well on the form. We'll chat about all this of course.


7) You guys are one hell of a classy bunch. Time and time again I see the same select people smack-talking Cornell and you come back with such class. It's kind of funny that people jump out to post detailed criticism specifically for you, and I love that you're able to take what is constructive and relevant and apply it. Win or lose, you stand and applaud the other teams, and get back to work. When FCB won the tremendous uproar of support from your circle on stage was amazing, and deafening (I was tuned in via FaceTime). Hardeep is on point about you girls & guys.


Anik, great job not only continuing but extending the tradition of a team us alumni feel very lucky to have been a part of. You're absolutely right: don't get caught up in semantics, leave that to us old folk to joke around with, and stay classy Cornell. Very, very proud.


OK that's all folks, this got wayyyy longer than I wanted but nothing new about that. Huge congrats to FCB y'all were dopesauce with extra spices. Peace!

 

[Psant]

Full Review later, but a couple of things I noticed:

1) Too many doppler swooshes. Not only the use of the audio effect, but the choreo that accompanied it suffered as a result. I understand using sound effects to emphasize certain moves to make them "hit" harder, but this was over the top. It made the routine seem overly robotic and choppy at times.

2) Recycling - Strange to see a co-ed team recycling so much. I guess it isn't a bad thing, but just an observation

3) Purple guy - SICK dancer. I just watched you for most of the set and absolutely love your form. I'd say you're the best dancer on the team by far.

4) Infinity Baithkes Segment - I think it's cool to display athleticism, but it didn't really lead up to much? I was expecting some cool move or formation change or something at the end of that.

5) Dhamaal - Still not a fan of the sitting down with your fingers up for so long.

 

[pavbhaji91]

[edit: moved the specific critiques to email for better dialogue]

Thank you Swi for your critique, just wish you had done this in the first place lol.

First of all, a successful dance team is not defined purely by its dancing talent. Its about the entire set and the overall impact it has on the audience as well as the judges. As an experienced Bhangra dancer, your bhangra instincts should draw you towards a team that is all rounded. IMO the (apparently) weak dancers were overcompensated by other aspects of the set-mix, choreo, formations etc.

As a dancer and choreographer I'm not a fan of this style, but as a judge, I can see why this set was worthy of placing. What you guys seem to do better than most teams is you have specific ideas and concepts and you fully develop them. I can see and appreciate the thought process that went into this set, and I thought that the most impressive part was when your two guys do a million betkaan, that was smart and very effective.

2) I really enjoyed the "Bhangra" creativity.
As much as the folkies hate on your performance, it's awesome that you guys put effort into appealing to them too. As Karan pointed out, the phumaniya/sial koti/reverse phumaniya segment was dope. You guys do new stuff just with different Bhangra elements and it's so much more refreshing than watching the same thing over and over and over again.


3) This is not the same Cornell that we would see at a comp like WBBC.
You guys adapt. I know that's what Cornell's all about. There was no bizarre psychotic incredible ending or magic trick props. Yes, you used 2-3 ideas (no segments I don't think) from WBBC in a much more toned-down manner, and I look forward to seeing how you evolve and create new ideas next semester.
p.s. Damn, there's SO MUCH MOVEMENT in this set, especially props segments, holy smokes that was intense. I like that you focused a ton of that kind of stuff instead of gimmicks for this particular comp. Next semester let's see some TRAPS!

4) Hmm...

First of all, a successful dance team is not defined purely by its dancing talent.

This is the problem. It really should be. Kind of like saying a successful basketball team is not defined purely by its basketball talent.

Audience reaction is cute, but should not trump the importance of raw talent.

lol what?
That analogy is so far from true, apart from the fact that it's terribly irrelevant. First off, a dance team's success is NOTHING like a basketball team's success because of the ridiculous number of elements that go into subjective evaluation (judging). How can you say that the success of a dance team isn't also based on their formations, their mix, their CHOREOGRAPHY, their gimmicks, etc. etc. etc. If success was based purely on dance talent you could put 12 of the best dancers in the world on stage in a straight line without music and have them win every competition.

Second, your basketball analogy in of itself has issues because clubs with fantastic talent fail all the time because it takes other aspects to be successful such as well designed plays, team chemistry, etc. (see: Brooklyn Nets). Success is not based PURELY on any one factor, and that is verbatim what Madhuri said.

Yes, you can argue that dancing talent should be the most important factor in your opinion, and that is why we have rubrics which tell us how the 10-15 important factors play into a team's success.

I whole-heartedly agree with these quotes in this thread. Cornell is all about adapting to its competition. It explains why we had success last year at both Burgh and WBBC. The whole talent=success idea doesn't really make sense in any sporting context. Heck, the Yankees should win almost every year with their payroll and talent. The New England Patriots should have won the year Brady, Moss, and Co. went 16-0 and Brady threw for 50 TDs. In the NBA, during the 1960s, I could argue that the Lakers with Jerry West and Elgin Baylor (and later Wilt Chamberlain) were by far the most talented team in the NBA and should have taken those championships away from the Celtics based strictly on talent. This sports stuff is a whole different argument, gladly willing to discuss more, feel free to PM me

I enjoyed this set a lot. Granted I agree with most people about the swooshes, something I didn't really notice while watching the set, but when pointed out, is all I listen to now. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire betka segment (props to Taisu and Vinay). The switch of Brennan for Mahak in jhummar was classic, and IMO, played so well off of the Kartik for Anita switch last year. Anik, I'll give you my comments later

2) Pavan Kottamasu - you're a sound track specialist, all I can say is thank you for everything.

teehee

 

[Archana]

I will agree with Swi and say that I would not placed this set. One of the big differences between you guys and the other co-ed teams is that the girls weren't put in the back all most of the time. This is a team performance, so I appreciate it when all the dancers get a chance in the front and to shine. In this performance, it felt like you guys kicked the girls to the curb. Another thing is that you guys recycled a lot from past performances. Teams are bringing new sets in, so try getting a bit more creative. You guys stuck to your style which is great! I liked the betkha part, but the dancers in the back could have done a lot more than just that one move. Shikke, I felt was just a lot of stop and go, didn't flow as much. Jhoomar was my least favorite segment. I felt like I already knew what was going to happen because of repeated segments and with jhoomar it was just that with the boy-boy jodi part, it was just old for me. In the beginning of dhamaal where some are in the betkah position, you guys need to bounce your modhe, it seems lazy when you don't and you are just staying still. Overall, it was an entertaining, but predictable set. Just expand on some of your own ideas and creativity. Great set of dancers you guys have though, use them to their capability and give the girls credit to their dancing ability.

 

[Bilal_Ali]

Loved the slap part and the betka segment. Entertaining stuff

 

[Anik915]

Anik, great job not only continuing but extending the tradition of a team us alumni feel very lucky to have been a part of. You're absolutely right: don't get caught up in semantics, leave that to us old folk to joke around with, and stay classy Cornell. Very, very proud.

Kartik man, thank you for the love - like I said before, couldn't have done this without you. Come back soon man =)

 

[agoel21]

As a new member on the circuit, I would like to formally congratulate Cornell Bhangra on all its past accomplishments, this exceptional performance, and all its successes to come. This set not only kept Cornell Bhangra’s vision and style alive, but also expanded upon them to incorporate new, diverse ideas and showed its ability to approach bhangra from different perspectives. This performance was sick and you guys looked like you were having an amazing time up there. I have been lucky enough to get to know some of you very well and you guys made my visits up to Ithaca very memorable. I have overheard random people on campus talking about your performance at WBBC – if Cornell can bring such diverse interests to bhangra and give entertaining performances, I think this is something we can all be proud of.


Anik – what can I say man. I have been best friends with you for about a decade now and it is crazy to see how far you have come. I only have good things to say about you and what you have done for this team with Kartik. It was fun hanging out with you over thanksgiving break already working on next year’s set/mix late into the night – you put an insane amount of work in for your crew. Your passion for bhangra is ridiculous and inspires me to get better everyday. I thank you for introducing me to this amazing culture and encouraging me to begin my journey with TerraPind – shoutout to all of you guys – it’s going to be a wild ride.

 

[Anik915]

As a new member on the circuit, I would like to formally congratulate Cornell Bhangra on all its past accomplishments, this exceptional performance, and all its successes to come. This set not only kept Cornell Bhangra’s vision and style alive, but also expanded upon them to incorporate new, diverse ideas and showed its ability to approach bhangra from different perspectives. This performance was sick and you guys looked like you were having an amazing time up there. I have been lucky enough to get to know some of you very well and you guys made my visits up to Ithaca very memorable. I have overheard random people on campus talking about your performance at WBBC – if Cornell can bring such diverse interests to bhangra and give entertaining performances, I think this is something we can all be proud of.


Anik – what can I say man. I have been best friends with you for about a decade now and it is crazy to see how far you have come. I only have good things to say about you and what you have done for this team with Kartik. It was fun hanging out with you over thanksgiving break already working on next year’s set/mix late into the night – you put an insane amount of work in for your crew. Your passion for bhangra is ridiculous and inspires me to get better everyday. I thank you for introducing me to this amazing culture and encouraging me to begin my journey with TerraPind – shoutout to all of you guys – it’s going to be a wild ride.

....Amazing first post. Thank you brother - can't wait to see you take over the circuit soon =)


Much Love,
Anik