Dear Dance Teams,

Aaj Ka Dhamaka 2010 is approaching fast so mark your calendars for November 6th, 2010!
This year AKD will be held on UNC’s campus at Memorial Hall, located in Chapel Hill, North
Carolina and we promise it will be a competition that your team will always remember. Last
year, we had groups from all over the East Coast put on spectacular performances that fostered
an intense yet exhilarating competition. On behalf of Sangam, the South Asian Awareness
organization at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, we invite you to apply to compete
in Aaj Ka Dhamaka 2010! We are very excited to host this competition again and look forward to
having your team compete.

All proceeds from the show will benefit the Mahatma Gandhi Fellowship. The Mahatma Gandhi
Fellowship (MGF) was established in 1998 to give students an opportunity to plan and
implement a project that positively impacts the South Asian community at home or abroad.
Since the fellowship’s foundation, we have been raising funds to reach a desired endowment of
$125,000, which will sustain an annual scholarship that will support two MGF fellows by
awarding them up to $3,000 each. Thus far, we have supported the visions of twenty-six
students and will continue to do so in years to come. The fellowship would not have been
possible without those of you who have participated in past AKD competitions and supported
this worthwhile cause. With your continued help, we can make momentous progress toward the
MGF endowment and raise the necessary funds for this year’s fellows, while celebrating our
collective cultural talent at the same time.

We are confident that you will enjoy your time here in the Triangle area—not just the
competition, but also the chance to meet and interact with students in our local community. In
addition, your team will have the chance to win $1,500 (first place), $1000 (second place), or
$500 (third place). Performing at Aaj Ka Dhamaka is an opportunity that you will not want to
miss, so we hope that you’ll join us for this exciting and memorable competition.

We look forward to receiving your 2010 Aaj Ka Dhamaka application! For the latest information,
visit the Aaj Ka Dhamaka 2010 website at www.uncakd.com. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Prasant Lokinendi Deepika Sundararaj

Sangam President Sangam Vice-President
prasant90@gmail.com deepika.sundararaj@gmail.com
(774) 262-9308 (336) 255-4208

Nisha Patel Neena Vasavan

AKD Co-Chair AKD Co-Chair
nbpnisha@email.unc.edu nvasavan@email.unc.edu
(252) 883-8667 (630) 254-1549

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Competition
Participants:

• The Aaj Ka Dhamaka (AKD) competition is limited to group dance

performances of 8 (minimum) to 16 (maximum) people.

• All team members must be full-time students at a college or university. A team

may be composed of students from various universities or colleges. Multiple
teams from the same university may be selected to compete. However, an
individual may NOT compete with more than one team attending AKD.

• The team may bring up to two team managers, who will be included with the
registration fee.

• Any additional supporters of the team will be required to purchase a ticket to

the show and will NOT be allowed to accompany the team during rehearsal
and the show.

Show:

• The dance and music styles of each performance must incorporate elements of
South Asian origin, including, but not limited to, bhangra, garba/raas, Hindi film,
remixes, etc.

• Teams must perform the type of dance which they have selected in the
registration packet, or penalties may be incurred.

• Competition teams will be selected by the AKD Board1, based on the teamʼs
performance on a try-out video.

• Students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will not be eligible to
participate in the competition, as it may represent a conflict of interest with
respect to judging. Instead these students may only participate in an AKD
exhibition performance. Exhibition performances are intended to showcase the
talent of UNC dance groups. Additionally, UNCʼs exhibition teams perform at
the beginning and end of the show to avoid interfering with the competition and
so that no team performs first or last in the show.

1
“AKD Board” refers to the 2010 Aaj Ka Dhamaka Co-Chairs and UNC Sangam Executive Board.

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Application Process
1. Complete the Registration Form included in this packet.

2. Prepare a video of a routine performed by your group or a segment of the routine

planned for AKD submitted on DVD, CD (mpeg or avi only), or electronically via
uncakd@gmail.com.

a. The tryout video may only be two minutes long. Videos longer than two
minutes will not be judged. The video must begin where you want the
panel to begin judging.

b. The video must stick to the type of dance selected.

c. The tryout video must be a practice video (ie. You may not use a video
segment taken from a competition or show; it MUST be in a practice
setting in order to provide an equal judging opportunity for all applicants).

d. The tryout video dance cannot include props nor costumes of any kind
(practice clothes are recommended).

e. The tryout video should contain only those individuals who are listed on
the submitted application. Videos containing members who are not listed
on the application will not be judged. Videos from previous years and
competitions will NOT be accepted.

f. TRYOUT VIDEOS THAT DO NOT MEET THE ABOVE

QUALIFICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED OR CONSIDERED.

3. Submit your registration form and fee (make checks payable to “Sangam”).

a. [See #5 below for fee amount and mailing deadlines]

4. Submit a photocopy of each participantʼs photo-student identification. Driverʼs

licenses will NOT be accepted as forms of student ID.

5. Registration Packet must be received by the date listed below. When sending in
application packets, it is best to use a reliable mail source such as FedEx, UPS,
or certified mail in order to make sure your materials are received by the
deadlines set forth. These services provide a tracking number so that you can
monitor your packageʼs location. It is not the responsibility nor the fault of the
AKD Board if your application packet is not received by the deadlines set forth.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered when selecting

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teams for the show, unless prior arrangements have been made with the AKD
Board.

NOTE: The deadline listed below is the date by which the materials MUST BE
RECEIVED. In order to ensure that your materials are received by these
dates, please mail them at least one week in advance.

Registration
• To register, submit your registration form, fee of $30 non-refundable, and
tryout video by Sunday, October 3rd, 2010 (Once again, the AKD Board
must receive materials by this date).

• Once teams are selected, a $20 per team member fee is due by October
15th, 2010.

Mail all materials to: Nisha Patel

334 South Heritage Loop
Chapel Hill, NC 27516

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Selection Process
Once all materials are received, the AKD Board will adhere to the following process:

1. Videotapes will be assessed, and teams will be chosen for the competition based
on the judging criteria (refer to last page of this packet). The AKD Board has full
discretion over which acts to include in the competition.

2. Selected teams will be notified by Friday, October 8th, 2010 via the teamʼs
contact person by phone and email. Teams are expected to confirm their
participation by Sunday, October 10th, 2010 by 11:59PM EST via phone to the
AKD Co-Chairs or via email to uncakd@gmail.com.

3. Some teams will have the option to be placed on a waitlist to compete.

4. Once teams are selected a, $20 per team member fee is due by Friday, October
15th, 2010.

5. Selected teams will receive a post-registration packet that will contain details
regarding the show, including specifics that relate to sound, lighting, and day-of-
the-show procedures.

Rules and Regulations

1. Dance performances must be a minimum length of five (5) minutes but may
not exceed a maximum length of seven (7) minutes. Any team that goes under
or over the set time constraints will be subject to a deduction of points from the
teamʼs score.

2. Each team must have no fewer than eight (8) members and no more than
sixteen (16) members. Any individual that is not currently enrolled in a college
or university will NOT be allowed to participate, regardless of the individualʼs past
history with the team.

3. No individual may perform for more than one team performing in the competition.

4. Each team is allowed to bring up to two non-dancing members, in addition to the

maximum 16 members on the team. These two additional individuals may include
managers, dholis, or singers.

5. Final team rosters must be submitted electronically and be received by Friday,

October 15th, 2010. Please submit to uncakd@gmail.com.

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6. Each participant, including managers, dholis, or singers, accompanying the team
must check-in individually on the morning of Saturday, November 6th, 2010. On
the day of check-in, each participant must present two forms of his/her picture
identification — one MUST be a university or college identification. Any team
member not on the final team roster or unable to present the required
identification will NOT be allowed to compete.

7. There is a mandatory rehearsal at Memorial Hall on the day of the show,

Saturday, November 6th, 2010. Rehearsals will begin promptly at the
designated time. Each team will be assigned a 15-minute time slot. If any team
misses their rehearsal time, they will not be able to practice on the Memorial Hall
stage. No exceptions will be made to rehearsal times. In order to make sure
check-in is completed before rehearsal, please arrive an hour earlier than your
scheduled rehearsal time.

8. Each teamʼs performance music must be recorded in mp3 format onto one
continuous track, which includes all intended breaks and pauses. The music
must consist of only one track on a single mp3. The mp3 file must be clearly
labeled with the teamʼs registered name. The mp3 file must be submitted
electronically to the AKD Board along with the final roster by Wednesday,
October 20th, 2010. Please submit the highest quality track in order achieve
optimal sound quality in the venue. (We suggest an mp3 file with a bit rate of 192
kbps or greater. If the file is too large to email, an alternative method of
submission may be arranged in advance with the AKD Board).

9. Any and all required materials (including performer application, registration fee,
team roster, tryout video, post-registration packet, etc.) NOT received by the
specified deadlines may result in a disqualification of the team.

10. On the night of the show, performers must report backstage by their assigned
time. Failure to comply with this rule may lead to disqualification. The show order
is NOT to be changed under any circumstances. If the entire team is not present
at the time of their scheduled performance, they must perform without the
individual or forfeit their right to compete.

11. Props may be used during a teamʼs performance. However, the use of all props
should be limited to instruments, traditional bhangra props (dhol, saaps, staffs),
and raas essentials (dandiya, pots). Glitter, confetti, flowers, open flames,
colorful powder, etc are NOT allowed on stage. Props will be kept in a separate
room from the dressing room. The use of large mobile structures is permitted as
long as they can be transported on and off the stage by the team itself. The AKD
board is not responsible the transportation or disposal of any props. Any
questions regarding the nature of the props that can be used in the competition
should be brought to the attention of the AKD Board before the day of the show.

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12. The consumption of alcohol, the use of any illegal substances, and/or being
under the influence on or near the premises of UNCʼs Memorial Hall will NOT be
tolerated. The AKD Board and Memorial Hall reserve the right to disqualify and/or
expel any participant who violates this rule.

13. All participants are expected to comply with the operation and use rules at UNCʼs
Memorial Hall.

14. Any damages incurred on the venue or other facilities by the team will be the
liability of the team.

15. Any rules that are violated may lead to an individual or team disqualification.
These decisions are at the sole discretion of the AKD Board.

16. Neither UNC Sangam, Aaj Ka Dhamaka, the AKD Board, nor any other
sponsoring organization is responsible for any bodily/personal injury or
damage/loss to property resulting from participation in Aaj Ka Dhamaka 2010.

17. The AKD Board reserves the right to add and update rules and regulations that it
deems necessary and appropriate with regards to the venue and the competition
itself. Any further additions will be posted on the website and team contacts will
be notified via email of all changes.

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Registration Form (page 1 of 2)

1. Team Name: ________________________________________________________________

College or University: ________________________________________________________

Number of team members: ____________________________________________________

2. If not selected for competition, would you like to be placed on a waiting list?

_____YES _____NO

3. Select the type of dance your team will be performing:

_____ Fusion _____ Garba/Raas _____ Bhangra

4. Please briefly describe the type/style of your performance.

5. Primary Contact / Team Captain:

Name:
Address:
Town/City: State: Zip Code:
Phone: (______) Cell Phone: (______)
Email Address:

(continued on next page)

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Registration Form (page 2 of 2)
6. Team Members:

All team members must be full-time students at a college or university. On the day of check-
in, each participant must present two forms of his/her picture ID—one must be a university
or college ID. Also, please indicate each performerʼs t-shirt size on this form, in order to
guarantee that there will be a t-shirt available for each performer. Please have each team
member read and sign the contract on the following page.

Name Email School T-Shirt

Size
( s,m, l, xl )

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

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 AKD PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
ALL TEAM MEMBERS MUST READ AND SIGN THIS CONTRACT

Each individual (including dholis, singers, managers, etc.) participating in

Aaj Ka Dhamaka 2010 must read the following statements and sign
affirming that they understand the conditions of this competition.

• “I” refers to each individual on the team (including, dholis, and singers).
• “Aaj Ka Dhamaka Board” hereinafter refers to the 2010 Aaj Ka Dhamaka Co-Chairs
and the UNC Sangam Executive Board, who collectively represent Aaj Ka Dhamaka.

I. I declare that I have read the Guidelines and Rules & Regulations and agree to abide by
all information implemented by the Aaj Ka Dhamaka Board.

II. I agree that I will not, without the consent of the Aaj Ka Dhamaka Board, use the logos,
advertisements, or promotions of AKD for personal interests.

III. I understand that the Aaj Ka Dhamaka Board has the rights to any music, video, pictures,
or other media that may be presented or taken during the show and may use it for any
present or future promotional purpose.

IV. I declare that the Aaj Ka Dhamaka Board is not responsible for any bodily/personal
injury or damage/loss that may occur as a result of participating in Aaj Ka Dhamaka
2010. I hereby release, discharge and affirm that I will not take legal action against the
Aaj Ka Dhamaka Board, UNC Sangam, or UNC Chapel Hill if any of the preceding takes
place.

V. By signing my name on the following page, I certify that I have read all of the above and
understand the terms of this competition.

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 AKD PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT

Full Name Signature Date

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

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 Judging Criteria
Each category is scored using a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the lowest, and 10 being the
highest. The highest possible score is 100 points. The percentages show a breakdown of
the importance of each individual criterion.*

“Dhamaka” (energy) (30%)

 enthusiasm and energy of performers
 big, powerful, and sharp performance
 facial/body expressions

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Choreography/ Creativity (25%)

 complexity of dance formations
 complexity of dance moves
 integration of stunts and props

 degree of originality in performance

 innovative use of a theme
 creativeness of costumes
 effects from lighting and music selection

*choreography and creativity will be grouped together in the judging process*

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Execution (20%)
 synchronization of performance
 smooth formation transitions
 all dancers execute choreography
*synchronization and difficulty of routine may be taken into account together*

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Traditionalism (10%)
 incorporation of South Asian traditions through music/costumes/dance

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Overall Performance (15%)

 opening captivates audience and closing leaves lasting impression
 memorable performance
 overall impression of the entire performance
 showmanship

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Penalties
-Song/music exceeds the limit of 7 minutes -5
-Being late to rehearsal and/or performance -5
-Failure to remove all props from stage -5

TOTAL SCORE ____ / 100

*The AKD Board reserves the right to update any judging criteria that it deems appropriate. Any changes will be
explained and posted on the website and team contacts will be notified via email of all changes.*

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Final Checklist/Timeline
October 3rd, 2010 (Sunday)
Registration Deadline
($30 non-refundable fee, completed registration form, completed
participation agreement, and tryout video must be received by this
deadline)

October 8th, 2010 (Friday)

Teams notified of selection for competition by email and phone call to
team captain/contact person. This will be done by 11:59PM on this day.

October 10th, 2010 (Sunday)

Deadline for chosen teams to confirm participation by phone call to AKD
Chairs. Must be done by 11:59PM on this day.

October 15th, 2010 (Friday)

Final roster and team blurb must be submitted along with a team
picture. $20 per team member fee must be received by this deadline.
(Roster and digital copy of picture must be submitted online.)

October 20th, 2010 (Wednesday)

Music CD must be received in the mail by this date. (CD must be clearly
labeled with the name of your team and school.) An electronic copy
should also be sent to both co-chairs.

November 6th, 2010 (Saturday)

Dress Rehearsal, Morning
(All performers must bring 2 forms of ID; one must be a valid school ID)
Show starts, 7:00pm

Contact Information
For more information or questions
regarding the show, please contact either co-chair: Venue Address:

Nisha Patel Memorial Hall

AKD Co-Chair UNC- Chapel Hill
nbpnisha@email.unc.edu 208 E. Cameron Ave
252.883.8667 Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Neena Vasavan
AKD Co-Chair
nvasavan@email.unc.edu
630.254.1549

www.uncakd.com
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