Dance Registration
Be a part of our 30th annual Festival of India, a vibrant celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage.
Showcase your dance talent as we bring a tiny glimpse of Indian dances and culture to the Queen City
Important Dates
Theme
All performances must comply with the theme this year – Regional Folk Dances of India
This year’s festival theme celebrates the vibrant diversity of Indian regional folk dances—an integral part of India’s cultural heritage. Rooted in local traditions, festivals, and everyday life, each folk dance tells a unique story of its region, reflecting history, community values, and cultural identity.
Across India, regional folk dances are deeply connected to language, attire, music, and ways of life. While traditional in origin, these dances also allow room for creativity and interpretation. The examples below are meant to serve as inspiration—they are not exhaustive, and choreographers are encouraged to branch out and add their own artistic twist while honoring the essence of the form.
Examples of Indian Regional Folk Dances
- Bhangra & Giddha (Punjab)
- Energetic dances celebrating harvest and joy, marked by powerful movements, dhol beats, and vibrant attire.
- Ghoomar (Rajasthan)
- A graceful dance traditionally performed by women, known for swirling movements and royal elegance.
- Garba & Dandiya Raas (Gujarat)
- Circular dances performed during Navratri, symbolizing devotion, community, and the cycle of life.
- Lavani (Maharashtra)
- A fast-paced, expressive dance traditionally performed to powerful rhythms, often addressing social themes.
- Bihu (Assam)
- Celebrates the Assamese New Year and agricultural cycles, expressing joy, youth, and nature.
- Chhau (Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal)
- A martial and storytelling dance that combines strength, masks, and mythological narratives.
- Yakshagana (Karnataka)
- A dramatic dance form blending dance, music, and storytelling, often depicting epics and folklore.
- Dollu Kunitha (Karnataka)
- A powerful drum-based dance performed by men, symbolizing strength and devotion.
- Theyyam (Kerala)
- A ritualistic dance form combining dance, music, and spiritual performance.
Through these performances, participants bring to life the spirit of their regions, showcasing dances that honor seasonal celebrations, historical narratives, and the joy of communal expression. Together, these performances highlight the unity found in India’s diversity and the timeless beauty of its folk traditions.
Bollywood and fusion-style songs are allowed, but choreography should remain rooted in a regional folk dance form (for example, Bhangra, Garba, Ghoomar, Lavani, etc.). Fusion elements, including hip hop or Bollywood-style moves, may be included, but the performance should continue to reflect the essence and character of the chosen folk style
For guidance on aligning your choreography with the theme, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to provide feedback prior to the registration deadline.
Entry
To participate in the Festival of India (FOI), you are required to make sure that all the dance items follow the Performance Guidelines & FAQs – Belk Theater/Booth Playhouse
Important Dates
- Deadline: Dance registration closes by 8:00 PM on registration end date
- Music File Uploads, Lighting Requirements due by 8:00 PM on registration end date
- Dance registrations must be submitted by an individual 21 years or older, who will be the only point of contact for all communication. Please provide only one name, one email address and one contact number to keep communications smooth and consistent.
- All participants have to register via website or will not be allowed to participate
Audition
- YouTube auditions are mandatory and has to be submitted by 8:00 PM on registration end date; must be a minimum of 60 seconds, and with minimum 60% of performers
- Full song submission – Maximum of 4 minutes per performance
- A 1-minute YouTube for your audition submission
- An overview of the planned costume concept (We recommend waiting to purchase costumes until acceptance is confirmed. For now, please share an overview of what your costumes will entail.)
- Upon request and per Committee decision, live auditions may be required.
FAQs
What are the steps to register a Dance item as a Choreographer?
- Read and agree to all the guidelines listed below.
- Provide all dance information on the online Registration Form. Incomplete forms will not be accepted.
- Details about your dance registration will be e-mailed to you.
What happens after I complete the Registration form and submit it?
- Receive a confirmation email shortly after your registration is complete.
- Await committee approval by 8:00 pm on Committee Approval date
Can anyone be a choreographer or do I have to be a teacher to register for a dance?
- To support the Festival of India mission, we encourage anyone with talent and a passion for Indian dance to be a choreographer—they don’t need to be a teacher.
- Choreographers must:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Be able to register online and complete all required forms
- Take responsibility for submitting the audition video and music file
- Manage their group of participants for the performance
- Please note that the committee will communicate only with the designated choreographer for each performance.
What if I want to edit details about the dance that has been registered?
- Once your dance registration has been submitted, you will not be able to make any edits. Please ensure all required materials—song, audition video, and costume overview—are ready before submission.
- See the form below for all registration requirements.
Contact Us
- For any questions, queries or communications for Belk Theater/Booth Playhouse performances, please contact us at foiperformance@gmail.com
Register – Part 1
Part 1 registrations closed for 2026 FOI.
Register – Part 2
Part 2 registration for 2026 Festival is now closed