This post was written by Hatchet staff writer Karolina Ramos

Few art forms encapsulate vivacity, theatrics and culture in one single performance. Unless, of course, it’s bhangra.

The 19th annual Bhangra Blowout, a national dance competition presented by the GW South Asian Society, was held Saturday at the downtown Warner Theatre. The showcase featured premier collegiate bhangra groups from universities across the nation, including the University of California at Berkeley, New York University and Cornell University.

The event’s proceeds supported Child Rights and You America, a non-profit which works with grassroots organizations to alleviate poverty among children in India.

A high-energy vigorous style of dance originating in Punjab, India, bhangra features up-beat music, colorful props and opulent color-coordinated costumes.

University of California at Berkeley’s Cal Bhangra secured the first place prize while also earning a $2,000 cash prize. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Virginia Tech championed second and third place wins, respectively.

“To be only a third-year team, working to put something together in a month with midterms, essays and tests all weighing on you, and to win first place in the nation’s capital is priceless,” senior Nav Singh, captain of Cal Bhangra, said.

While the night featured presentations of traditional bhangra, some teams delivered modern interpretations of the dance style. Teams used glow-in-the-dark props and musical remixes featuring Avicii and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to put a contemporary twist on the classic dance.

“We have a traditional element,” Singh said. “Our gimmicks don’t take away from our dance.”

The showcase also included performances from University dance groups GW Chamak, GW Ballroom and GW Rangeela, as well as drum group Rutgers University Dhol Effect.

“It’s not uncommon to see white, Hispanic and non-Indian people performing,” sophomore and GW Bhangra member Annalise Kieley said. “It’s open to everyone.”