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 Tanjore-style Bharatanatyam workshops and engaging performance opportunities, 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.
Workshop
Dance Competition
Solo & Group Performances
Cultural Celebration
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 Metro Area
Celebrating Indian Classical Arts
in the Heart of the DMV
Program Schedule
Festival Schedule
December 12
Performances & Workshop
MorningRegistration & Welcome Reception
MorningMaster Workshop
MorningSub Junior Categories
MiddayJunior Categories
AfternoonLunch Break
MiddayInterim Categories
MiddaySenior Categories
EveningGroup Dance
ClosingFinals
Competition
Dance Categories
Sub JuniorAges 10 – 13Kauthuvam /
Pushpanjali
JuniorAges 14 – 16Keerthanam/Mallari/ Thodaya Mangalam
InterimAges 17 – 20Pada Varanam
SeniorAges 20 – 24Pada Varanam (4 mins) & Javali/Padam (2 mins)
Group DanceAll AgesMinimum 5 Participants
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
🏛
Venue To Be Announced
Fairfax County (Virginia)/Washington DC Metro Area
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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 11, 2026. Full guidelines, file requirements, naming conventions, and privacy details are available on the dedicated Music Submission page.
View Full Guidelines →
