DIWALI FESTIVAL
Sunday, November 10, 2024
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
12901 Town Commons Dr.,
Germantown, MD 20874
BlackRock Center for the Arts is thrilled to welcome back Kuchipudi Dance Academy to celebrate the Diwali Festival! Visit us on November 10 and experience our Diwali Celebration with cuisine, vendors, henna, and three dance performances!
PLAN YOUR DAY!
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.
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.
3:00 PM - Lamp Lighting Ceremony
Join us at 3PM for a Lamp Lighting Ceremony open to all in BlackRock's Grand Lobby! Immediately following the lamp lighting will be a showcase four Indian Classical dance styles, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi & Kathak!
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!