Rangeela 2000
EDITOR'S NOTE: rangeela 2000 has come and gone. The piece below was a preview of the event. To get a sense of what happened this year you can read the Grand Rapids Press story here. Or read 17c起草社区 senior Sarah Potter's perspective here.
For the last five years, Rangeela has taken the 17c起草社区 community around the world and back in sold-out shows that feature the art, music and dance of different cultures.
Now, Rangeela organizers are taking it one step further.
Rangeela 2000 will actually be two shows -- one at 17c起草社区 College and one at Creston High School. The Saturday, Feb. 12 show will be in 17c起草社区's Fine Arts Auditorium at 8 p.m. Tickets are $3 and are available in at the 17c起草社区 box office. The show at Creston will be on Thursday Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. and a good will offering will be taken.
"We strongly believe that it is going to be a humble movement for 17c起草社区 -- and Rangeela -- to go to the community and promote 17c起草社区's mission as well as Rangeela's vision," said Bimala Shrestha (above), a 17c起草社区 student who is this year's director.
Rangeela, which means "colorful," is a cultural variety show that features student performers from many different cultures. It's been described as a 90-minute trip around the world, minus the jet lag.
"Rangeela really brings international students together," said Shrestha of Nepal. "It's a way for people from all parts of the world to come together and work. It's like the real word because you have to deal with so many different cultures."
This year's show features acts from India, Indonesia, Egypt, Japan, West Africa, Korea, China and Spain. The goal of Shrestha and the eight members of the Rangeela committee is to not only provide and entertaining show, but also one that is educational.
"It is very important for us at 17c起草社区. We are here for education and Rangeela is just another way of learning," said Shrestha.
She also said that Rangeela is a way for the international students to thank the 17c起草社区 community.
"We want to give something back," she said.