Dance Experience

Dance Experience – Illini Raas

I was the captain of Illini Raas, a competitive cultural dance team at the University of Illinois. We performed across the country at events like Raas All-Stars at the Harris Theater in Chicago. My role combined choreography, stage design, and logistics — with a strong engineering mindset behind the scenes.

🪩 Team and Theme

Team Performing

Each season we created a full 7-minute performance combining choreography, storytelling, and large-scale stage props. For our “Space” theme, we designed an entire interstellar world — with functional backdrops, moon props, planets, and even an alien spaceship.

🧰 Engineering Behind the Scenes

Backdrops and props had to fit into a 4ft x 7ft x 10ft box. To make it possible, I designed a modular system where large elements (like a 15ft backdrop) could be broken into sections and reassembled quickly on site.

We used plastic tiles, folded PVC structures, and modular cardboard cutouts — all calculated and prototyped using AutoCAD to optimize for weight, size, and portability.

🛰️ Custom Moon Prop

Team Performing

To move a cardboard moon smoothly across stage, we repurposed a rolling coat rack as a stabilizing chassis. This let us transport the moon easily and move it smoothly during the performance.

🧩 CAD Modeling for Prop Design

Team Performing

All props were designed in AutoCAD, with full-scale dimensioned drawings printed to serve as cutting templates. This allowed for accurate, replicable prop construction and made visualizing scale easier for the team.

🪐 Planet Display System

Team Performing

We used a PVC frame that doubled as:

  • A shelf for displaying planet props
  • A curtain rod to hang black fabric for a “space” effect
  • A structural support for backdrops and lighting

👽 The Alien Ship

Team Performing

A centerpiece of our set: an “alien ship” that descended from the rafters using rigging and ropes. We constructed the outer shell using layered strips of green tulle to create a semi-opaque curtain — hiding dancers until the reveal moment.

🧞 Genie Shadow (Previous Year: Aladdin Theme)

Team Performing

For our Aladdin-themed performance, we created a Genie shadow effect using:

  • A backlit silhouette cutout
  • Bedsheets and colored lighting
  • Careful testing of materials and contrast for visibility under stage lights

This made for a powerful and theatrical visual illusion.

🎭 Takeaways

My time with Illini Raas helped me develop not just as a performer, but also as a designer, problem-solver, and team leader. The creative process of building something imaginative, functional, and impactful on stage was one of the most fulfilling parts of my college career.