Thompson Rivers University is well known for the diversity of its students and staff members. People from different backgrounds come to Kamloops, creating the opportunity to celebrate various cultures in events like TRU’s IDays, an international event at the university, from March 12 to 14.
As the IDays website states, “Culture is defined by all the senses and everything around us — through food, attire, music, dance, and so much more, we can experience the cultures of our community.”
The Kuthu Dance Crew is just one of many groups participating in IDays. Performing for the third year at IDays, the group is comprised of members representing more than 20 different nationalities, including India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Oman, and Indonesia, bringing together “a blend of cultures and talents.”
According to Swagath Swamy, a TRU alumni from India and part of the Kuthu Crew, this year’s performance will include routines featuring Bollywood hip-hop, Indian classic, and Kuthu. “We embody [the motto] ‘anybody can dance’. You don’t need to be a professional dancer to be part of our crew,” Swamy said. “It’s an inclusive, safe space for people to use dance to express themselves freely and enjoy the art.”
Since its creation, they have participated in events outside TRU. “It started from an IDays platform, but it has grown so much bigger,” Swamy said.
At the heart of their routines is something very personal. “There is a sense of pride over my dances,” Swamy said. “There is a sense of TRU pride. TRU was a space where I grew as a person a lot.”
Though she is no longer a student at TRU, Swamy said she enjoys coming back to see the presentation of different cultures.
To Swamy, IDays is not just another event but something different, unique and inclusive. “I have mothers over 30 in my group and [others] younger [than] 10 years old,” she told the Omega. “Be prepared to witness the magic on stage.”
The Kuthu Crew will perform as part of the IDays Showcase, starting at 3 p.m. in the TRU gym on March 14.
The Omega’s article beautifully captures the essence of Kuthu Crew’s mission: uniting cultures through the universal language of dance. As a two-year member, I’ve witnessed firsthand how our blend of Bollywood, hip-hop, and Kuthu transcends borders, embodying TRU’s vibrant diversity. Swagath Swamy’s leadership and our crew’s inclusive spirit—welcoming all ages and skill levels—prove that dance is more than movement; it’s a celebration of identity and community. IDays remains a cornerstone for sharing this magic. Don’t miss the showcase on March 14th—it’s where passion meets purpose, and every step tells a story.
— HaRiT TrIvEdI, Kuthu Crew Member