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 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. Proceeds from the festival, after covering essential expenses, will be donated to support the arts education department within Fairfax County Public Schools, helping ensure that creative opportunities remain accessible to all students. 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 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 & 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 – 13

Kauthuvam /
Pushpanjali

JuniorAges 14 – 16

Keerthanam/Mallari/ Thodaya mangalam

InterimAges 17 – 20

Pada Varanam

SeniorAges 20 – 24

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

Group DanceAll Ages

Minimum 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 proceeds remaining after festival expenses, together with generous donations, will be dedicated entirely to supporting the arts.

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 ✦ Donations Welcome

Every dollar beyond our costs goes directly toward preserving and promoting performing arts.

Adjudicators

Panel of Judges

Our distinguished panel of Bharatanatyam masters will evaluate performances with decades of classical training and performance experience across the globe.

Judge Announcements

Coming Soon

Guest Artist

To Be Announced

Location

Venue

Venue To Be Announced

Washington DC Metro Area
Virginia / Maryland Region
Full details coming soon

The venue will be fully accessible with ample parking, conveniently located for all DMV 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  →
Get in Touch

Contact & Registration

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Questions? Reach out anytime.

Registration Fee $60.00 Per participant · via Zelle
Registration Period May 1 – Aug 31, 2026 Spots are limited
✦   A Cause Beyond the Stage   ✦

Proceeds remaining after festival expenses, along with donations, will be directed toward supporting the FCPS arts Your participation helps nurture the next generation of artists.

Register Below

🔒 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.