Caltech Graduate Receives Scholarship to Research the Language of Dance

Why do we want–or need–to dance? What are the motivations that inspire us to dance? Why is dancing present in most cultures?

In a Watson Fellowship project, "Dance: Language of Emotion or Culture?", California Institute of Technology graduate Iram Bilal will explore the meaning of dance. Bilal's fellowship, which is funded by the Thomas J. Watson Foundation, will take her to several exotic, remote areas to study the motivation of dance. In September, Bilal will begin her journey in India, researching temple dancing; followed by a visit to Kenya to witness tribal dancing; and will conclude in Ireland, examining social and folk dancing. Bilal will document her findings using photography, oral interviews, videotaping, and writing.

Watson Fellowships are granted to graduating college seniors from designated universities and academic institutions to conduct one-year independent study projects and to immerse themselves in other cultures. The Watson Fellowship program encourages participants to pursue a passion and undertake a coveted, "once-in-a-lifetime" project that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue in their careers or lives.

Bilal, a senior majoring in engineering and applied science, graduated from Caltech this year. She has received numerous honors and awards during her academic career, including the Mabel Beckman Prize for academic excellence and leadership and the Caltech Deans' Cup for leadership and community involvement. Bilal is active in the Society of Women Engineers, the Caltech Entrepreneurial Club, the Caltech Y, and the Organization of Associated Students from the Indian Subcontinent.

Bilal trained in classical South Indian odissi dancing for approximately half a year. She also enjoys choreography, martial arts, painting, acting, and debating.

Originally from Islamabad, Pakistan, Bilal is interested some day in combining her love for science, the arts, and multiculturalism by becoming a documentary arts and sciences filmmaker and producer.

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Contact: Deborah Williams-Hedges (626) 395-3227 debwms@caltech.edu

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