Dance Pe Chance Comes Alive with Colorful and Spirited Performances Celebrating Heritage. / FIA

 FIA's Dance Pe Chance competition, held on February 10, 2024, at Patriots War Memorial Theater in Trenton, NJ, was a spectacular showcase of talent and artistic expression. Featuring contestants ranging from 6 to 60 years old, the event captivated an audience of approximately 1700 people with vibrant performances inspired by Bollywood themes and Indian culture.

The competition celebrated the rich heritage and artistic expressions of India, with performers presenting a fusion of tradition and modernity across various dance styles. From classical to contemporary, each performance left the audience mesmerized. The incorporation of Broadway-styled production values, such as a huge LED backdrop, captivating lighting, and intricate costumes, added an extra layer of grandeur and spectacle to the performances, transporting the audience into the world of dance and storytelling.

 

 

 

Over 700 children from 14 dance academies spread across four states enthralled the crowd of about 1700 with 27 mesmerizing performances, showcasing their talent, discipline, technique, and costumes in FIA's oldest cultural competition.

Present at the event were Chief Guest, Hon. Consul General of India, Mr. Binaya S Pradhan, Hon. Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph, Chairman of TV Asia Mr. H.R.Shah, Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media, Dr Sudhir Parikh along with other dignitaries from the Diaspora.

Hon. CG Mr. Binaya S. Pradhan administered the oath of office to the newly elected executive committee of FIA, which includes President Dr. Avinash Gupta, Executive Vice President Mr. Saurin Parikh, Vice President Ms. Smita Miki Patel, 2nd Vice President Deepak Goel, General Secretary Ms. Priti Patel, Joint Secretary Mr. Mahesh Dubal, Treasurer Mr. Sanjeev Singh, Joint Treasurer Mr. Haresh Shah and Immediate Past President, Kenny Desai.

 

Hon. CG Mr. Binaya S. Pradhan Administers Oath of office bearers to the newly elected executive committee of FIA- President Dr. Avinash Gupta, Executive Vice President Mr. Saurin Parikh, Vice President Ms. Smita Miki Patel, 2nd Vice President Deepak Goel, General Secretary Ms. Priti Patel, Joint Secretary Mr. Mahesh Dubal, Treasurer Mr. Sanjeev Singh, Joint Treasurer Mr. Haresh Shah and Immediate Past President, Kenny Desai /

 

The Hon. Consul General expressed delight and honor to be part of the event, deeming it the largest Indian cultural gathering he's attended outside India. He commended FIA's team for their dedication, eagerly anticipating FIA's upcoming Indian Independence Day celebrations. He emphasized the Consul General's commitment to bridging the gap between India and the USA and serving the Indian Diaspora 24/7.

Mr. Ankur Vaidya, FIA Chairman, extended a warm welcome to esteemed guests and thanked the entire team of FIA for their efforts in bringing the event together. . He especially thanked the parents of the performers who have spent their valuable time, money and resources so that their children can showcase their talent on the platform provided by FIA. He said that Dance Pe Chance is being held for the past 40 years and FIA has continued to increase investment of major resources that sum in making this youth platform a growing success year after year.

FIA President Dr. Avinash Gupta highlighted the competition's role in engaging youth and uniting through performing arts, fostering connections to India's cultural legacy and diverse music. He emphasized the event's significance in celebrating Indian Republic Day.

 

 

In the Limelight (L to R): Board Member Mr. Bipin Patel, Chairman Mr. Ankur Vaidya, President Dr. Avinash Gupta, Sr. Advisor Dr. H.R. Shah, Sr. Advisor Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Hon. Consul General of India- NY Mr. Binaya S Pradhan, Hon Deputy Consul General of India- NY Dr. Varun Jeph, and esteemed Board Members Mr. Kenny Desai, Mr.Srujal Parikh, and Mr. Alok Kumar / FIA

Event Chair Mr. Saurin Parikh described the event as a platform for individuals of all ages to express their passion for dance while honoring Indian traditions. He praised performing arts for its unifying capacity and ability to inspire people from varied backgrounds.

A distinguished panel of judges, including Uma Kapoor, a renowned choreographer and arts educator, Pooja Bindal, a distinguished choreographer and dance teacher, Pranaya Akula, an esteemed artistic director and founder of Pranavam School of Dance, and Mitali Das, a multifaceted marketer, choreographer, and fitness instructor, provided invaluable feedback and critiques, elevating the caliber of performances and inspiring participants to push the boundaries of artistic expression.

 

Distinguished Panel of Judges at Dance Pe Chance: Uma Kapoor, Pooja Bindal, Pranaya Akula, and Mitali Das / FIA

 

 

Among the highlights of the event were the announcement of winners in various categories:

Minor Category - Winners

·  First Place: Rudra Dance Academy

·  Second Place: Aum Dance Creations

·  Third Place: Shehnaaz Dance Academy

·  Best Choreography: Rudra Dance Academy

Junior Category - Winners

·  First Place: Rudra Dance Academy

·  Second Place: Aum Dance Creations

·  Third Place: Dance4Ever

·  Best Choreography: Rudra Dance Academy

 

 

Aum Dance Creations Secures Second Prize in Junior Category, Receiving a $1000 Cheque Prize and Rudra Dance Academy's Young Stars Shine Brightas they Celebrate Winning $2000 Prize in the Minor Category / FIA

 

Senior Category - Winners

·  First Place: Shivaay Dance Academy

·  Second Place: Rudra Dance Academy

·  Third Place: Mudra Melody

·  Best Choreography: Mudra Melody

Adult Category - Winners

·  First Place: Rudra Dance Academy

·  Second Place: Nitya Rhythm Dance Academy

·  Third Place: Mudra Melody

·  Best Choreography: Nitya Rhythm Dance Academy

 

 

Mudra Melody Secures Third Place in the Senior Category, Garnering a $500 Cash Prize / FIA

 

 

Special prizes:

·  Rising Star Category: Elevation Beats (Junior)

·  Voting App Category: Rudra Dance Academy (Junior)

 

 

 

Group of Victorious Performers Cheers with Glee on Stage at Dance Pe Chance. / FIA

 

The event was expertly emceed by Mamta Narula, founder and CEO of Ultimate Media, alongside Rohi Singh, DPC Committee member, and Miss NJ 2018. Their seamless orchestration of the evening, marked by engaging banter and insightful commentary, added a layer of sophistication and charm to the proceedings.

The celebration concluded with the distribution of mementos, trophies, and prizes underscoring FIA's steadfast commitment to nurturing creativity and fostering collaboration among upcoming generations. Every participant, manager, and choreographer was treated to meals, certificates, a rehearsal, and a complimentary seat, courtesy of FIA and its generous sponsors. Overall, the event was a remarkable celebration of Indian culture, heritage, and artistic expression, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

 

 

DPC Chair Saurin Parikh and Dignitaries: The Faces Behind Dance Pe Chance's Resounding Success /