Snippets of day and weekend events float around the room as a group of spandex-clad students filter into McMillan Cafe, one of the rehearsal locations for Washington University’s student-run Bollywood fusion dance group, Chaahat.

Even though six of the 15 total dancers in Chaahat are new recruits from this year’s audition process, everyone joins in on the casual chitchat as the group forms a circle to stretch. It seems to be a consensus among members of the group that the two-hour rehearsals three to four times per week are a much-needed escape from academic obligations.

Sophomore Annie Peterson, one of the captains and choreographers of Chaahat, disperses the warm-up circle, “All right, we are going to run the piece, so get ready.” An upbeat song is switched on and filters through the room via the group’s portable speakers. The dancers begin a series of acrobatic, full-body dance movements complemented by beaming smiles. The dancers’ angular arm movements and fast footwork are entirely in sync, creating a dynamic and awe-inspiring performance.

Chaahat, which means “passion” or “desire” in Hindi, was formed in 2011 as an extension of the Bollywood dance that is presented each year as part of Diwali: a five-day Hindu festival of lights celebrating the victory of the inner light of knowledge over the darkness of ignorance. Diwali is commemorated annually at Wash. U. with performances by several South Asian dance groups, including Chaahat, as well as a skit, a musical act and a fashion show; this year, the Diwali show will be held Nov. 8 and 9 at Edison Theatre. In keeping with tradition, Chaahat will present a completely new work based on a new storyline with a central theme that dictates music choice and costumes. The costumes are described as “Bollywood-esque” and start with a general foundation of brightly colored crop tops and leggings for the girls, decorated by either skirts or harem pants, and similar tank tops and loose-fitting pants for the guys.

The formation of Chaahat as a group at Wash. U. has allowed those interested in Bollywood dancing to become involved beyond Diwali through an intercollegiate dance competition circuit and many smaller on- and off-campus events throughout the academic year. Last year, Chaahat competed in several Midwestern cities, including Madison, Wis.; Iowa City, Iowa; and Chicago, and the group even traveled as far as New York City. Interestingly, this year, about half of the members of the group had never practiced Bollywood dance before joining Chaahat, and about a fourth have not had formal dance training.

“Chaahat is really about uniting people from all different backgrounds, including those with no previous experience in dance, and using Bollywood dance to convey happiness,” junior Anuj Patel, Chaahat’s treasurer, said.

Bollywood dance is a fusion of styles developed over the past 60 years that is characterized by a happy and powerful dance, a romantic dance that includes partnering and several forms of Indian classical dance, and folk dance, such as Bhangra. Many Bollywood dance movements focus on expression of the music.

After a dramatic finish, the dancers listen for junior Orma Ravindranath, one of Chaahat’s presidents, to provide her critique. “Expressions are good, but the hips could be bigger,” Ravindranath said. After a short breather, the group runs the piece several more times and then splits up so that the girls and guys can work on their individual sections. This particular rehearsal is in preparation for Saturday’s performance at Sophomore Sizzle. The piece is an adaptation of last year’s storylines and is generally happy and upbeat.

“Our goal as a team is to bring people together through the love of dance, and the best feeling is to see people smiling and dancing in their seats when you’re on stage,” junior Sophie Tarazi, one of Chaahat’s presidents, told Student Life.

Chaahat is the only dance group performing Saturday, amid a cappella and slam poetry groups, in College Hall from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.