UPCOUNTY TRADFEST
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PLAN YOUR DAY!
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3:30 PM - “Dances of India’s Heartland” – A Celebration of Regional Folk Traditions
Experience the cultural vibrance of India through “Dances of India’s Heartland,” a captivating showcase that brings the rich, traditional folk dances of India to life. Artists and dance schools from the DMV area present a vivid display of movement, rhythm, and storytelling from India’s diverse regions. • Kannada (Suggi/ Kolata) - The energetic Kolata dance brings the joy of harvest from Karnataka. • Tamil (Kavadi Chindu) - This performance captures the essence of Tamil Nadu’s Kavadi Chindu, embodying devotion and rhythmic grace. • Banjaran (Lambadi) - This vibrant dance reflects the spirit of Rajasthan’s nomadic Lambadi tribe. • Bengali Folk - A performance that channels the traditional rhythms and expressions of Bengali folk dance. • Rajasthani Folk - Showcasing the lively and colorful dance forms of Rajasthan. • Assamese (Bihu) - A festive Bihu dance celebrating spring and agricultural prosperity from Assam. • Lavani - A high-energy folk dance from Maharashtra celebrating feminine strength and allure. • Bhangra - The joyous energy of Punjab’s iconic Bhangra, a dance of unity and celebration. • Kerala (Thiruvathira) - A graceful group performance in Thiruvathira, reflecting the deep traditions of Kerala’s women’s dance rituals. This showcase offers a beautiful spectrum of India’s folk heritage, sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
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5:15 PM - “Colors of Tradition” – A Multi-Regional Folk Dance Extravaganza
Join us for “Colors of Tradition,” a showcase celebrating the diverse, colorful folk traditions of India through mesmerizing performances by DMV’s finest dance schools and artists. Each performance presents the unique rhythm, attire, and storytelling of India’s regional dances. • Tamil Folk - Showcasing the vibrant folk dances of Tamil Nadu, blending rhythmic movements with storytelling. • Gujarati Folk - Sharing the lively spirit of Gujarat’s dance traditions, celebrating unity and joy. • Telugu Folk and Kolatam - Capturing the rhythm and harmony of traditional folk and kolatam from Andhra Pradesh. • Maharashtrian (Lavani) - The bold and rhythmic folk dance from Maharashtra lights up the stage. • Jhumur - A graceful folk dance from Eastern India, highlighting the region’s agrarian culture. • Assamese (Bihu) - Bringing the joy and festivity of Assam’s Bihu dance, celebrating life and renewal. • Kerala (Thiruvathira) - A mesmerizing performance of Thiruvathira, a dance of grace and tradition from Kerala. • Bhangra - The powerful and rhythmic Bhangra energizes the stage, bringing the rich harvest culture of Punjab to life. This showcase honors India’s cultural diversity, sharing the deep-rooted stories and traditions that unite its people.
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3:00 PM - Lamp Lighting Ceremony
Workshops at 1pm
Square dance 4 - 6
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7:00 PM - Grace and Glamor: A Celebration of Indian Tradition in Ethnic Attire
In the first half, we’ll be exploring the vibrant world of India’s modern dance trends. From Bollywood-inspired moves to contemporary takes on folk traditions, these performances bring India’s evolving dance scene to life, blending cultural heritage with the energy and creativity of today. Each piece captures the spirit of India as it dances through time—celebrating both tradition and innovation in every step. We invite you to enjoy this journey through India’s modern rhythms and expressions!
PLUS - A free arts & crafts booth all day!
Diwali is a joyous holiday Celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs in India. Symbols of Diwali include lights, lanterns and flowers, and we have brought together all these symbols to bring some exciting craft activities to you this Diwali at BlackRock.
Come explore the crafty corner featuring Diwali themed coloring and craft activities like coloring Diwali greetings, making a themed suncatcher and designing your own bookmarks!
LEARN ABOUT THE ARTISTS!
Konark Dance School Performers
“Lal e Lal Oi Palash Bon” - Bengali Folk Dance
Jhumur is a traditional folk dance from West Bengal. This dance is accompanied by rhythmic music played on the Dhol, a percussion instrument. The lyrics of the Jhumar song are lively and depicts rural life, nature and everyday emotions. This song celebrates nature in springtime and the blossoming of love. It says: The Palash flower forest is bursting with red color and the fragrance is making my heart elated. I know my beloved loves me secretly.
He showers me with his love at any time. There’s no rhyme or reason to his love. I have known him for so long, he always stays near me. My heart is intoxicated with love from the fragrance of the palash flower. My man, he shows me his love in his secret way.
ZIND Performing Academy
ZIND Performing Academy is an Indian dance studio located in the DMV area, with two locations in Rockville, MD, and Frederick, MD.
ZIND stands for the Urdu word "Zindagi," meaning
"life." As a modern Bollywood dance studio, we emphasize community, fun, culture, and growth.
Dance at ZIND instills leadership skills applicable to all areas of life. Our dance styles include Bollywood fusion for all ages and some semi-classical styles.
We offer dance instruction to individuals aged 4 years and up, including many who have no prior dance experience. Our professional and enthusiastic instructors teach you step-by-step to dance to your favorite Bollywood songs in our welcoming and positive community, with plenty of opportunities to perform on stage.
Natyabhoomi School of Dance presents Kolata & Suggi Kunitha from Karnataka
Kolata or 'stick' dance involves groups of people who bend, sway and jump to the tune of clashing sticks and the musicThere is a rich spread of romantic and valour themes and references to contemporary, political and social issues in Kolata songs.
Suggi Kunitha is a dance form which is executed during harvest festival in many parts of Karnataka. The dance is usually done at the end of a Harvest and to celebrate it and contains no religious connotations. It is a group dance form and is performed to drum beats.
Natyabhoomi School of Dance, located in Potomac, Maryland, is a premier institution offering exceptional instruction in the Mysuru tradition of Bharathanatyam, an Indian classical dance style. Founded by Deepti Mukund Navile, who serves as the Artistic Director, and supported by her sister, Shruthi Mukund, as the Artistic and Outreach Director, the school proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024.
Kuchipudi Kshetram Group
The song Balaanandha "Bommala Pelli Paata" (Doll Wedding), authored by Sri Nyayapati Raghavarao, is a delightful composition broadcasted on Akasavani Vijayawada Radio during 1949. The song captures a witty and charming conversation between the bride's and groom's families during a symbolic wedding, The song celebrating the playful traditions associated with festive occasions like Sankranthi Gobbillu.
Natyamala presents Tamil Folk Dance - Celebrating Lord Krishna
This energetic folk dance praises Krishna’s charm and heroism, showcasing his playful yet powerful persona. The sound of his divine flute mesmerizes everyone in his village, Gokula. He performs various divine feats such as defeating demons & easily lifting mountains, to destroy evil forces and protect his people.
Muvva Dance Group presents Rajasthani Folk Dance
A vibrant mix of Rajasthan’s Bhavai and Chari dance, showcasing skillful pot-balancing and energetic music.
Roomjhoom Nrityalaya presents Bengali Folk Dance / Santal
This dance presentation is a joyful medley of Bengali folk songs focusing on the theme of celebration and living at the moment. The medley not only describes a joyful, upbeat dance to a popular Bengali folk song but it also celebrates family, love, marriage and new beginning. This dance presentation is a perfect fit in the vibrant, upbeat and colorful celebration of Diwali.
Kalanidhi Dance presents Gujarati Folk Dance – Garba
A celebration of unity and rhythm, Garba is a lively folk dance from Gujarat, characterized by circular formations and joyful movements.
Nrityasamarpan School of Bharatanrityam presents Kavadi Chindhu
Kurathi's tribe migrates from hill to hill praising their God Muruga. We showcase some of their unique dance movements in this song and end with a Shadkona pindi (six faced star formation) denoting six faces of Muruga.