GW South Asian Society to Host Raas Chaos Competition

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The George Washington University's South Asian Society will host the 25th annual Raas Chaoscompetition this weekend, bringing student raas and garba dance teams from across the country to campus.

Raas, a traditional Indian folk dance style, combines synchronized movement, music and storytelling and is often performed by collegiate teams in competitive formats. GW's Raas Chaos is the oldest collegiate raas competition in the country, and helped shape what would later become a national circuit.

"We were truly the first raas competition on the circuit," said Priyanka Balla, SAS co-president. "That's something we're really proud of."

"It's a testament to the legacy that SAS has created and maintained over the past 25 years," added SAS Co-President Nafia Lalani. "It represents not just this year's work, but the commitment of every previous board that's helped bring this event to life."

This year's competition will feature seven teams, each typically comprising more than 20 dancers, along with exhibition performances by GW dance teams and visiting universities. Balla said organizers expect roughly 250 dancers to travel to GW for the weekend.

"The scope of it is pretty large," she said. "There are the teams that are competing, but also exhibition teams from GW and other schools, which really adds to the experience."

Planning for Raas Chaos begins months in advance. Directors are selected in the spring, and a board of more than 60 students spends the year coordinating logistics, sponsorships, promotions and scheduling. In the days leading up to the event, organizers hold extended meetings and finalize preparations for visiting teams, including practice spaces, schedules and accommodations.

"It's a lot of behind-the-scenes work," Balla said. "There are people focused on scheduling, people on social media and promotion, people assigned to support teams throughout the weekend. Everyone has a role."

Lalani said that support system is key once teams arrive on campus.

"We have liaisons assigned to each team who are trained to handle just about anything," she said. "That level of preparation makes a big difference."

For audience members, organizers say Raas Chaos offers both high-energy performances and cultural storytelling. Teams perform choreographed routines that often incorporate themes, props and narrative elements, all presented through traditional dance styles.

"These performances are deeply cultural," Lalani said. "There's a lot of movement, a lot of energy and a lot of creativity on stage."

To mark the 25th anniversary, organizers plan to recognize the event's history with a retrospective slideshow highlighting past competitions and contributors. Proceeds from the event will also support Ashiyanaa, a nonprofit that supports the South Asian community in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

Raas Chaos will take place starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday in Lisner Auditorium. Ticketsare required.

GW South Asian Society Hosts Raas Chaos Competition