Bombay in the Bay practices ramp up

Photo by Anand Agrawal

AMD seniors rehearse their finale dance in preparation for the show.

With less than a month before performance day, preparations for the annual Bombay in the Bay (BNB) performance have accelerated.

BNB is one of the school’s main cultural events, spreading Indian cultural representation. The BNB performances, hosted by the school’s Indian Cultural Awareness Club (ICAC), will take place on Friday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 18. BNB’s performances tend to sell out a full McAfee Theater with a mix of electric dancing, humorous skits and live singing, as well as a multitude of other traditional Indian dances with diverse participants. 

The 3-hour production of around 200 participants will consist of a combination of multiple acts, including the traditional all girls’ dance (AGD), all boys’ dance (ABD) and partners’ dances, along with specialty acts like Tamasha, Bhangra and Classical dances. Each class performs their own sub-show, beginning with freshmen and ending with seniors. 

Practices are typically held at the school in the quad, upper field or music room, depending on which area is vacant. The rehearsal times are dependent on each grade and are determined based on personal availability. During the month of February, students are often seen practicing throughout campus after school hours and often at the end of the week in preparation. 

This year’s ICAC officers include seniors Anand Agrawal, Avani Gupta, Risha Desai, Isha Jagadish, Varun Shah, Annika Muju and Ojas Somani. Officer Isha Jagadish described the stress of balancing school work and BNB practices every week, with time becoming more limited as the performance day edges closer. However, she is confident that extra meetings and the strict schedule will result in their best show. 

“This year, I’m in all but one act, so it’s definitely a lot of dances to learn, but because it’s one of my passions, I truly look forward to practicing my dances with friends and performing,” Jagadish said.

Aside from the performance itself, the event’s overarching goal is to raise money to donate to organizations in India. This year’s donees include Koshish Learning Center, which helps special needs children and young adults, and Once School at a Time, which helps underprivileged children gain access to education.

The club earned $5,000 from its early-October Garba event, funding all BNB-related costs. Any remaining funds, along with the performance profits, will be donated to charity.  

“I think BNB is one of the biggest community events that we host here at Saratoga High,” Agrawal said. “It’s the time of year where everyone, not just the Indian community, can come together to put on a good show for everybody to enjoy.”