Hundreds of performers compete to dazzle at FIA’s 39th Dance Pe Chance

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More than 500 participants from 22 community dance academies spread across four states enthralled a crowd of 1000-plus people in their drive to win at the Federation of Indian Associations’ flagship Dance Pe Chance competition.

The event was held Sunday, February 18, 2023, at the Patriots War Memorial Theater in Trenton, New Jersey.

Held for the 39^th year, Dance Pe Chance has given members of the Indian American community a platform to display their talent, discipline, technique, and costumes at the much anticipated event, organizers said in a press release.

Ages  6  through  60+ years took to the state-of-the-art stage, enabling professional-grade production, and including LED spot lighting, sound, as well as a 50 feet LED  backdrop.

In the 22 performances, participants displayed a variety of cultures and traditions, including languages, in the performances consisting of a fusion of classical, folk, and contemporary dance compilations.

Divided into four categories comprising minors, juniors, seniors, and adults, the teams competed within their age groups. The event was anchored by Miss India PA – Charmy Shah, as well as   popular anchor and host Mamta Narula.

This year’s judging panel comprised Bollywood choreographer Rohan Virdi, Kuchipudi exponent and guru Swati Alluri, as well as local choreographer Mitali Das.

Consul General of India in New York Randhir Jaswal was the Chief Guest. Also in attendance were Jaipur Foot Chairman Prem Bhandari, former Congressman of New Jersey Michael J. Pappas, Padma Awardee and FIA Advisor Dr. H. R. Shah, and  community leader Peter Kothari among other distinguished guests.

Consul General Jaiswal expressed his joy at being a part of the event and praised the performances and performers for their hard work to excel at Dance Pe Chance. He wished that the event would continue to grow with each passing year for the coming decades and provide a platform, noting that more than  19,000 children have participated in the past 39 years.

Pappas also thanked FIA for the experience of impressive talent, and praised FIA for organizing a youth-oriented event on such a large scale and at a venue known to hold historical events, the press release said.

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.

President of FIA Kenny Desai praised all the judges, sponsors, and members of the FIA executive team and the Dance Pe Chance team for their ‘arduous’ efforts in putting together this gigantic event.

FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya thanked the sponsors, the FIA Executive team, and the Dance Pe Chance team led by FIA Vice Presidents Saurin Parikh, Nishi Dhami, and Priti Patel. He described the joy of seeing over 500 children show  sportsmanship, for which he thanked the parents, the choreographers, and all the participants.

FIA Vice President & Dance Pe Chance Chair 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  Srujal Parikh, FIA Vice President Dr. Avinash Gupta, FIA Gen. Secretary Nishi Dhami, FIA Treasurer Priti Patel, FIA Jt. Treasurer Mahesh Dubal, FIA Joint Secretary Haresh Shan FIA Past President Alok Kumar, and other notable community members

Mementos, trophies, and prizes totaling $20,000.00 were awarded during the event. The sponsors included 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.

“FIA’s vision thru such grass root initiatives is to connect the next generation of Americans of Indian origin with our culture and the native motherland,” the organization said.