Nataraja — the cosmic dancer, bronze sculpture at a South Indian temple at sunset, symbol of Bharatanatyam dance

Our Mission

✦   Celebrating Classical Indian Dance   ✦

Our festival is a celebration of Bharatanatyam, inviting young dancers to explore and deepen their connection to this rich and timeless art form. Through Bharatanatyam competitions and engaging performances , we aim to create a space where tradition, discipline, and creativity come together. This festival was founded by Sorna Chidambaram, whose passion for Bharatanatyam began at the age of five. Having completed her arangetram, the traditional solo debut performance that marks a significant milestone in a dancer’s journey, Sorna hopes to inspire her peers and other artists to pursue excellence in this classical form. In addition to celebrating the arts, this initiative is rooted in service. All money raised from dance registrations goes towards Educate Fairfax Innovation Grants (arts education). We are honored to bring together students, teachers, and families from across the DMV area to celebrate culture, dedication, and artistic expression. We invite you to join us in this meaningful journey

Event Highlights

Join us for an extraordinary celebration of Bharatanatyam — where ancient rhythms meet youthful spirit, and every movement tells a story of devotion, beauty, and classical mastery.

Guest Performance
Dance Competition
🏆 Cash Awards for Top 3
Solo & Group Performances
Cultural Celebration
✦   Special Guest Performers   ✦ Akshath Piram Rithika Ashok Meet the Performers  →
Leadership & Guidance

The Faces Behind the Festival

This festival is brought to life by a passionate group of young artists — led by Sorna Chidambaram, Founder & Director, and guided by Guru Smt. Vidya Sankaranarayanan, Guru & Esteemed Advisor.

Meet the Full Team  →
Washington DC landmarks including the Capitol Building, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial reflected in the Reflecting Pool
📍   Washington DC Metro Area

Celebrating Indian Classical Arts
in the Heart of the DMV

Program Schedule

Festival Schedule

December 12

Performances & Special Guest Performances

9:30 AMSolo Performances
12:35 PMLunch Break
1:05 PMSolo Performances
3:00 PMGroup Performances
3:35 PMSpecial Guest Performance – Rithika Ashok Meet the performer →
4:05 PMGroup Performances
4:50 PMKahoot Game
5:05 PMSpecial Guest Performance – Akshath Piram Meet the performer →
5:35 PMPanel Q&A on preserving and sustaining Indian classical and traditional arts in the United States
5:55 PMChief Guest & Guest Performers Felicitation
6:10 PMAwards Ceremony & Pictures

View Full Event Guidelines  →

Competition

Dance Categories

Sub JuniorAges 10 – 13

Kauthuvam /
Pushpanjali

(Max 5 mins)

JuniorAges 14 – 16

Keerthanam/Mallari/ Thodaya Mangalam

(Max 5 mins)

InterimAges 17 – 20

Pada Varanam

(Max 5 mins)

SeniorAges 21 – 24

Pada Varanam (4 mins) & Javali/Padam (2 mins)

Group DanceAll Ages

Minimum 5 Participants

(Max 7 mins)

Group Dance FAQ →

Interim & Senior Categories: Composition by Tanjore Quartet, Dhandayudhapani Pillai, Papanasam Sivan

✦   The Heart of This Festival   ✦

Dancing for a Purpose
Beyond the Stage

This festival is more than a competition — it is a movement. Every registration fee, every performance, every moment of grace on this stage contributes to something greater. All money raised from dance registrations goes towards Educate Fairfax Innovation Grants (arts education).

When you register your child, you are not just entering a festival — you are investing in the future of an art form.

✦ Proceeds to the Arts
Location

Venue

Jackson Middle School

3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church, Virginia, 22042

📍 View on Google Maps

The venue will be fully accessible with ample parking, conveniently located for all attendees.

Participant Guidelines

Music Submission

Each participant is required to submit one MP3 file submitted via a private link emailed to confirmed registrants only.

The submission deadline is November 15, 2026. Full guidelines, file requirements, naming conventions, and privacy details are available on the dedicated Music Submission page.

View Full Guidelines  →
Get in Touch

Contact & Registration

Registration Is Now Closed

With an overwhelming response, registration for the DMV Youth Bharatanatyam Festival 2026 is now closed. Thank you, everyone, for your incredible support. Every dancer, parent, guru and well-wisher has helped make this celebration possible, and your registrations will support arts education through Educate Fairfax Innovation Grants.

We can’t wait to celebrate this beautiful art form with you!
Email Us dmvyouthfestival@gmail.com

Questions? Reach out anytime.

✦   A Cause Beyond the Stage   ✦

All money raised from dance registrations goes towards Educate Fairfax Innovation Grants (arts education).

Register Below

Registering for Group Dance? Read the Group Dance FAQ first →

🔒 Data Notice: The information collected in this form will be used solely for festival registration, event coordination, and issuing a participation certificate. Your data will not be shared with any third parties and will be deleted after the festival concludes. See our Privacy Policy for full details.