RHYTHMS OF TRADITION: WORLD DANCE DAY FESTIVAL 2025

The 18th edition of the World Dance Day Festival, held on April 26th and 27th, 2025, at the India International Centre (IIC), was an extraordinary celebration of the universal language of dance.

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Presented by NATYA VRIKSHA in collaboration with IIC, the festival continued its legacy as India's first formal celebration of World Dance Day, and this year, it became an even more vibrant cultural platform.

Curated by the renowned Padmashri Geeta Chandran, the two-day event was a confluence of dance, philosophy, and creativity. From the opening workshop led by Tanusree Shankar to the last performance of the evening, every moment of the festival was an embodiment of movement, emotion, and transformation. The festival's inclusive nature, which celebrates all styles and forms of dance—classical, contemporary, and experimental was evident in the diverse lineup of performers and audiences.

A LEGACY HONOURED

The festival opened with the Movement and Dance Aesthetics Workshop, conducted by Tanusree Shankar, a legendary choreographer celebrated for her work rooted in the Uday Shankar style. The workshop saw dancers from various traditions come together, sharing their knowledge and experiences in a space that fostered cross-cultural learning and dialogue. Shankar's presence was magnetic, as she taught the importance of fluidity in dance—connecting movement, body, and spirit.