Naisha Mekala, a member of the Rice Riyaaz Bollywood dance team, showcases her moves during a performance.
For students navigating the rigorous academic environment at Rice University, finding avenues for exercise and extracurricular passions can be as crucial as acing exams. Beyond intramural sports and traditional fitness routines, Rice boasts a vibrant, albeit sometimes subtle, dance community, offering a diverse range of styles and commitments. Among these, the Rice Bollywood Dance Team, Rice Riyaaz, stands out, bringing a dynamic blend of cultural and contemporary dance to the campus and beyond.
Rice Riyaaz distinguishes itself as a competitive Bollywood fusion dance group, participating in national circuits like Legends and Bollywood America. Naisha Mekala, a dedicated team member, highlights the team’s unique strength: its members’ diverse dance backgrounds. These talented students dedicate seven hours weekly to practice, with even more intensive sessions leading up to competition season in the spring.
“We immerse ourselves in a variety of dance styles, from the energy of hip-hop and Bollywood to the traditional forms of Bhangra and South Indian dance, as well as contemporary and classical Indian dance,” Mekala explains. “The creative process of fusing these diverse styles into a cohesive and engaging competition set is incredibly rewarding, and it fosters a strong sense of community within the team.”
In contrast to the competitive focus of Rice Riyaaz, other dance organizations at Rice, such as Rice Dance Theatre (RDT), prioritize performance and skill development outside of formal competitions. RDT offers a different avenue for dancers, centered around a semesterly showcase featuring up to twenty-eight pieces choreographed by students.
Avery Janenda, president of RDT, points out that the organization caters to dancers seeking advanced training and performance opportunities. “Given that Rice doesn’t have a dedicated dance program, RDT serves as one of the most serious dance outlets on campus,” Janenda states. “Many dancers who audition have a strong competitive background from high school and are looking to continue pursuing dance at a high level in college, even if they aren’t aiming for a professional dance career.”
RDT’s forty members dedicate significant time to their passion, with a minimum requirement of three hours of weekly practice, while many commit up to ten hours to hone their skills. Rice Dance Theatre supplements student choreography by hiring local dance instructors twice a week, offering classes in various styles, predominantly contemporary. Interestingly, RDT is largely self-funded, relying on showcase ticket sales to cover the costs of instructors and operations, demonstrating the dancers’ commitment and entrepreneurial spirit.
Another facet of dance at Rice is represented by the official Rice Dance Team, which enjoys a close relationship with the university’s athletic program, including the support of two official coaches. This team is a fixture at Rice football and basketball games, providing spirited performances and school pride. For members like Mishel Dhanani, the connection to Rice Athletics is a significant draw.
“I’ve always been passionate about sports and have aspirations to cheer professionally in the NFL. My coach actually encouraged me to consider professional cheerleading, which solidified my goals,” Dhanani shares. “I chose the Rice Dance Team because of my cheerleading background in high school and my love for football. I’m enthusiastic about supporting our Rice athletes.”
The Rice Dance Team occupies a unique position, navigating the line between a club sport and official athlete status at Rice. While benefiting from university affiliation and increased involvement in basketball games, they are still developing their formal recognition within Rice Athletics. Currently, this means a less demanding schedule without early morning training sessions, but also a continuous cycle of performances and audition preparations without a traditional off-season. The team is also actively working towards qualifying for the Universal Dance Association national competitions, indicating a move towards a more competitive future.
Despite the varying goals and structures of these dance groups, from the competition-focused Rice Bollywood dance team to performance-based and spirit-oriented teams, the underlying motivations of the dancers often converge. As Dhanani reflects, “I am incredibly grateful to be part of this team. It’s given me lifelong friendships, keeps me engaged, and I genuinely love being busy. Like any team, we have our challenges, but for me and many others, it’s about the joy of dance and the strong community we’ve built.” Whether it’s the dynamic energy of Rice Bollywood dance with Riyaaz, the artistic expression of RDT, or the spirited performances of the Rice Dance Team, dance at Rice offers a rich and diverse landscape for students to explore their passion, build community, and excel both on and off the stage.
