The Realities of DDN(Desi Dance Circuit) - Akshay Luthra(DDN Judge) EP #1

Behind the Scenes of Competitive College Dance | Akshay & Jayeesh & Unleashed DDN

Description:
In this debut episode, Akshay and Jayeesh dive deep into the world of collegiate Bollywood Fusion Dance. From leadership dynamics to the challenges of building a cohesive team, Akshay shares his invaluable insights as a seasoned dancer, judge, and mentor. Hear stories of triumph, struggles with team dynamics, and the balancing act of passion and burnout in the competitive dance circuit.

Key topics include:

The importance of leadership structure in dance teams.
Mentorship and support for new dance groups.
Handling competition stress and setting realistic goals.
Breaking down biases and fostering inclusivity in dance.
The emotional journey of being a dancer and leader in DDN.
Whether you're a dancer, a fan of collegiate dance, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers a raw and authentic look at the highs and lows of the Desi Dance Network (DDN).

0:00 Introduction: Welcome to Unleashed DDN
3:15 Akshay’s Journey: From Dancer to Mentor
7:40 Leadership Dynamics: Building a Cohesive Dance Team
13:05 Mentorship in DDN: Supporting New Teams
18:20 The Struggles of Teamwork: Navigating Conflict and Growth
24:50 The Data: Gender Disparities in Competitive Dance
31:15 Judging Bias: How Perceptions Influence Scoring
37:50 Audience Reactions: The Role of Implicit Bias in Competitions
43:10 The Toll of Competition: Balancing Passion and Burnout
49:25 Inclusivity in DDN: Breaking Down Barriers
56:00 Legends: What It Takes to get to the National Level
1:02:15 Classical Dance in DDN: Challenges and Expectations
1:08:45 The Role of Crowd Energy in a Team Success
1:15:30 Historical Trends in DDN: Key Milestones and Changes
1:21:50 All-Male vs. All-Female Teams: A Closer Look
1:28:20 Akshay’s Experience as a Judge: Behind the Curtain
1:34:10 Tackling Bias: Steps for Judges and Organizers
1:41:25 Advice for New Dancers and Teams
1:47:50 Reflecting on the Growth and Evolution of DDN
1:54:30 Misconceptions About Competitive Dance
2:00:15 What Makes a Great Team
2:06:45 Moving Forward: Building Equity and Inclusion in DDN
2:13:00 Closing Thoughts: Final Reflections and Gratitude

🎧 Tune in, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful conversations.

Follow us on social media: @UnleashDDN on everything

Tiktok:   / unleash_ddn  
Instagram:   / unleash_ddn  
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GVeeOZ...