Dance competitions are one-of-a-kind celebrations with vibrant performances and an infectious energy that brings attendees together. One such dazzling spectacle of global dance talent, India’s International Groovefest (IIGF), lit up Kuala Lumpur on November 18th and 19th, 2024. With over 442 talented contestants across various categories and 800 attendees from countries across the globe, it was a resounding success celebrating the spirit of dance.
A Global Stage for Exceptional Dance Talent
India’s International Groovefest (IIGF) is the brainchild of Megha Sampat, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Padanyaas Entertainment. With a passion for dance and a commitment to fostering talent, she envisioned a global stage for Indian dancers. What began as a humble initiative has now evolved into a prestigious competition that celebrates cultural diversity and inspires dancers worldwide.
An Unforgettable Event
IIGF 2024 was a perfect getaway for dance lovers and art aficionados. As a true test of talent, it culminated in a nail-biting Mega Finale that had audiences on the edge of their seats. With mesmerizing performances by competitors, even the esteemed judges were on the edge, finding it incredibly difficult to crown the winners. In an exciting twist, the grand finalists were challenged to create and perform a one-minute routine with just an hour of preparation, set to a surprise audio track provided by Padanyaas Entertainment. The impromptu performances pushed participants to their creative limits, making the finale an epic experience.
An All-Star Jury Panel
The competition was graced by a jury of legendary figures from the entertainment industry, including Sudha Chandran ma’am, Vrushali Chavan, Devesh Mirchandani, Manan Sachdeva, and Sajna Najam. Every finalist brought their A-game to the stage, grooving to the beat gracefully.
Seamless Travel, Cherished Moments
Kesari Tours and Travels, the official travel partner, played a crucial role in ensuring a seamless travel experience for all participants and their families. The guided city tour of Kuala Lumpur, organized by Kesari Tours, was an opportunity for everyone to explore the picturesque city. Such transformative travel experiences foster cultural appreciation and reshape perspectives. They equally spark personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose.
Spreading Dance Culture Worldwide
Beyond inspiring dancers and audiences, IIGF 2024 reinforced its mission to spread dance culture globally. It brought together performers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a spirit of unity, creativity, and cultural exchange. It was more than just a competition; it was a journey that blended the thrill of performance with the enriching experience of travel.
With its success, India’s International Groovefest 2024 has set a new benchmark for global dance competitions, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this extraordinary journey. For those who couldn’t make it this year, stay tuned for next year’s competition. Connect with the IIGF team to be part of the legacy and make your mark on the international dance scene.
Crowning the Champions
The spotlight shone brightly on the winners:
- Group Category Winners: The D.A.D.S from Muscat, in collaboration with Champ Sports & Arts, clinched the ₹3 lakh cash prize, followed by Zero Degree India as the runner-up.
- Duet Category Winners: Tanya & Tanisha (Rockstar Twins) from Chandigarh won ₹1 lakh cash prize, with Shreyas Desai and Maithili Patwardhan from Thane taking second place.
- Solo Category Winners: Sharva Bhatt from Gujarat claimed the ₹1 lakh cash prize, while Swastika Jaiswal from Delhi earned the runner-up spot.
- Bronze Category Winners: Vijayam Dance Academy Seniors (Chennai), Naadsaad Performing Arts (Gujarat), and Zero Degree of DDA Oman (Muscat).
Stellar Grand Finalists Revealed
From 133 initial acts, only 22 outstanding finalists advanced to the Grand Finale, representing countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and India. The exceptional dance groups and individuals selected as Grand finalists were:
- Spreading Dance Culture Juniors (Bengaluru)
- Vishal & Harold DDA Oman
- Vivek Vijayanand Kooyela (Mauritius)
- Krishna G Bharadwaj (Bengaluru)
- The Little Saints From Muscat D.A.D.S in association with The Champ Sports & Arts
- Sahil Akhtar & Bikash Sinha (Guwahati)
- Ruang Karya ID (Indonesia)
- Tarita Taneja (Delhi)
- Gurukul Peacocks (Dubai)
- Meghana KS (Bengaluru)
- Vijayam Dance Academy Juniors (Chennai)
- Shashweena Swarna Kalpana (Malaysia)
- Prachi Jariwala & Devanshi Priteshkumar Choksi (Gujarat)
Celebrating Dance Diversity: Category Winners Announced
Each category saw remarkable winners. They’re as follows:
Solo Categories
- Superwoman Solo: Shraddha Shah (Gujarat)
- Semi-Classical Under 14 Solo: Saishaa Das (Navi Mumbai)
- Semi Classical 14+ Solo: Katyayani Pal (Pune)
- Folk Under 14 Solo: Vanshika Yadav (Lucknow)
- Classical Under 14 Solo: Shreya Arun (Bengaluru)
- Classical 14+ Solo: Jina Shreeji (Bengaluru)
- Freestyle Under 14 Solo: Anika Sengupta (Bengaluru)
- Freestyle 14+ Solo: Krushnmurthy (Pune)
Duet Categories
- Semi-Classical Under 14 Duet: Chiranshi & Lavanya (RPS International Rewari)
- Semi Classical 14+ Duet: TDS Duo (Gujarat)
- Folk 14+ Duet: Hari Gaikwad & Shweta Rahate (Mumbai)
- Classical 14+ Duet: Saniya Mungale & Kashmira Mungale (Pune)
- Freestyle Under 14 Duet: Anvita & Thansi (Bengaluru)
Group Categories
- Superwoman Group: The Khatarnaks of DDA Oman
- Semi-Classical Under 14 Group: Maharaja Agarsain Dance Group (Delhi)
- Semi Classical 14+ Group: Aaradhya (Radhika Educare School) (Gujarat)
- Folk Under 14 Group: Angels Dance Academy Princess (Oman)
- Folk 14+ Group: Kalangan Anupama’s Senior Group (Jodhpur)
- Classical Under 14 Group: Kalangan Anupama’s Junior Group (Jodhpur)
- Classical 14+ Group: Greenwood High International School (Bengaluru)
- Freestyle Under 14 Group: The Sizzlers of DDA Oman
- Freestyle 14+ Group: Spreading Dance Culture Seniors (Bengaluru)
Beyond the Trophies: Special Awards
The esteemed jury also awarded special honors to recognize outstanding performances and contributions to the dance community. Here are the winners of special awards:
- Shining Star: Alok Kumar Mallick (Odisha)
- Best Costume: Prisha Mishra (Odisha)
- Best Dance School: Angels Dance Academy (Oman)
- Best School: Tagore International School (Delhi)
- Most Consistent: DDA Oman