-by Anisha Advani & Priyanka J. Vora
At the Seattle Mariners game against the Houston Astros, fans were treated to more than just an exciting baseball match. As part of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, the pre-game show featured a performance by Rangeela Dance Company (RDC), who graced the stadium with a burst of cultural flair. Dressed in traditional attire, the dancers brought the spirit of South Asia to T-Mobile Park with their energetic performance set to the beats of songs including “Naatu Naatu” from the Oscar-winning film, RRR.
The performers also had the pleasure to meet U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who threw the opening pitch of the game. During their time with Dr. Murthy, the team learned he has a background as a bhangra dancer from his college days, sparking a fun moment of connection over their mutual love for dance.
Rangeela Dance Company meeting U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.
Rangeela Dance Company performing at T-Mobile Stadium for Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
While the performance added an extra layer of excitement to the Mariners victory over the Astros, it was not just about entertainment. Rangeela’s performance was a tribute to the tapestry of cultures that make up the AANHPI community. Dancer Sarthak Sharma shared that “it’s been a dream of mine to represent my culture on a grand
stage, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group to do so with than my RDC family”. Through their mesmerizing choreography, the dancers showcased the beauty of South Asian dance forms, inviting fans to join in a celebration of heritage and identity.
“I’m so proud of my entire team at Rangeela Dance Company for putting on such a fantastic show. Thank you to the Seattle Mariners for inviting us and giving us an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Find the performance video here!
Photography credit: https://www.ladkahai.desi