TRENTON, NJ (TIP): Over 500 children from 22 community dance academies spread across Four states enthralled a 1000-plus crowd with their mesmerizing performances as they performed to showcase their talent, discipline, technique, and costumes in FIAs oldest cultural competition, its 39th annual edition on Saturday, Feb 18th at Patriots War Memorial Theatre, Trenton, NJ. Ages 6 through 60+ years took to the state-of-the-art stage, which had dazzling professional-grade production, including led spot lighting, sound, and 50 feet LED backdrop. Performing participants displayed a variety of cultures and traditions, including languages, in the performances consisting of a fusion of classical, folk, and contemporary dance compilations.
The participating groups showcased 22 captivating variety performances. Four categories comprised minors, juniors, seniors, and adults competed within their age groups. The event was anchored by Miss India PA – Charmy Shah, Veteran RJ, and popular anchor and host Mamta Narula.
This year’s judging panel comprised renowned Bollywood Choreographer Rohan Virdi, celebrated Kuchipudi Exponent and Guru Swathi Atluri, and the locally popular choreographer Mitali Das.
Consul General of India- New York Shri Randhir Jaiswal was the Chief Guest of the program. Also in attendance were Jaipur Foot Chairman Prem Bhandari, Former Congressman of New Jersey Michael Pappas, Padma Awardee and FIA Advisor Dr. H R Shah, and veteran community leader Peter Kothari among other distinguished guests.
Mr. Randhir Jaiswal expressed his joy to witness and be a part of the event and praised the performances and performers for their sheer hard work to perform and compete with precision, coordination, and high energy. He wished that the event would continue to grow with each passing year for the coming decades and provide a platform over 19000 children have utilized in the past 39 years.
Hon. Michael Pappas expressed his happiness to be a part of the event and was impressed to witness FIA organizing a youth-oriented event on such a large scale and at a venue known to hold historical events.
Mr. Prem Bhandari expressed his happiness and joy in witnessing the participation of diverse communities and thanked FIA for providing the kids with such an incredible platform.
FIA President Mr. Kenny Desai praised all the judges, sponsors, and members of the FIA executive team and the DPC team for their arduous efforts in putting together this difficult event.
FIA Chairman Mr. Ankur Vaidya thanked the sponsors, the FIA Executive team, and the DPC led by FIA Vice President Saurin Parikh, Nishi Dhami, and Priti Patel. He summarized the joy of seeing over 500 children compete in sportsmanship, for which he expressed gratitude to the parents, the choreographers, and all the participants.
FIA Vice President & Dance Pe Chance Chair Mr. Saurin Parikh congratulated all sponsors, media partners, and the Indian Consul General in New York for their continued support.
Also in attendance were Past President & Board of Trustee Mr. Srujal Parikh, FIA Vice President Mr. Dr. Avinash Gupta, FIA Gen. Secretary Nishi Dhami, FIA FIA Treasurer Priti Patel FIA Jt. Treasurer Mr. Mahesh Dubal, FIA Jt Sec Mr. Haresh Shan FIA Past President, Mr. Alok Kumar, and other notable community members. Mementos, trophies, and prizes totaling $20,000.00 were distributed during the event.
Dance pe Chance, for nearly four decades, has seen the participation of over 19000 thousand children. The competition aims to inspire creativity and foster teamwork and competitiveness among upcoming generations.
Meals, certificates, complimentary rehearsal, and a complimentary ticket were for all participants, their managers, and choreographers courtesy of FIA and its sponsors. FIA’s vision through such grass root initiatives is to connect the next generation of Americans of Indian origin with our culture and the native motherland.
FIA expressed gratitude to its sponsors River Comics, Parikh Worldwide Media, TV Asia, Bansal Foundation, Arista Care, Mehta Foundation, and Media Partners ITV Gold, TV Asia, South Asian Times, Radio Zindagi, and Indian Panorama, and The Indian Eye.