Review: Bindi Sitara* Launch

There are very few events in St Andrews as crazy and colourful as the Sanskriti Society’s Bindi.  Following their fantastic event in semester one, the society, fitting with their ambition to break the normality of the bubble, hosted the event at One Golf Place. This was definitely a positive change from The Golf Hotel.  The smaller venue ensured that when the event got into full swing, it quickly became filled with the vibrancy and energy unique to Bindi.

The dance floor looked as though it was part of a production set of a Bollywood movie.  Dancers and models featuring in the show were in great numbers and certainly added a sense of performance to the night. Esi Appiah-Anane, Sitara’s Director of Acting, told me that the diversity of people involved undoubtedly reflects the nature of Sitara*, itself.  Undoubtedly, the colours and dance moves, that you would not see anywhere else in St Andrews, puts the launch party a cut above the rest.

The fusion between South East Asian and Western music and dance characterised the evening. For those unable to distinguish their Bhangra from their Bollywood beats, the packed dance floor was still accommodating enough for beginners to learn the moves of the professionals.  To sum up the dress is almost impossible – you just had to be there.  Saris, gold jewellery and traditional prints were all very popular. Those not opting for the traditional style still embraced the South East Asian influence with a bindi.

As the party cooled down, our expectations for the show rose to a new level. If a launch party is anything to go by then Sitara* 2014 isn’t an event to miss.  There is a wonderful sense of mystery and exoticness surrounding the show.  Sophie Kelly and Noelle Martin explained that “Sitara supports two incredible charities (Kiva and SOS) that invest in people. It makes the work that we do so much more special”.  The entire committee’s passion to create a lasting charitable impact is coupled with their desire to create a memorable evening for their guests,  demonstrating why it’s easy to believe that this is a “show like no other”.