Dance group to host talent, fashion show that celebrates Indian culture

Talented students at Oakton Community College will get their chance to show off at the singing and dancing competition held by the Desi Dance Club.

"Show Me Your Jalwa," a reference to a song from Bollywood movie "Aaja Nachle," will feature a fashion show and several dances that celebrate the Indian culture.

Simi Khorana, who works at Oakton and organized the show, has choreographed many of the dances that will be featured on Saturday, Dec. 20, using her training in both classical Indian and modern dance.

Professional dancers from Chicago's Natraj Dance Academy and Arya International Dance Academy will also perform.

The evening will also feature singers, food and a fashion show that will take the audience from traditional Indian outfits, such as saris, to more modern looks.

"We're trying to be a mix of both," Khorana said.

The large event will feature about 70 performers.

Khorana said the organizers wanted to make the audience feel like they are part of "American Idol" or "American's Got Talent," which is why the event uses the name Jalwa, roughly translated from Hindi to talent or charisma.

"The whole theme of the show is talent and fine arts," she said. "We want to have the audience feel that they're actually watching a talent show."

The Desi Dance Club hopes to make the live variety and talent show an annual event.