Last Updated: November 01, 2023, 14:46 IST
New York, United States of America (USA)
People attend the Happily Ever After fireworks display at the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom theme park in Orlando, Florida, U.S. July 30, 2022. (Reuters File Photo)
The Dance Fest led is was a three-day event comprising vibrant colours, costumes and performances by dancers from around North America
For the first time, Diwali festivities resonated at the Walt Disney World Resort in the US state of Florida, where hundreds of dancers celebrated Indian culture and heritage through performances, marking the festival of lights for a global audience at this iconic American destination.
The inaugural Youth Celebration of Diwali was hosted by Jashn Productions, featuring more than 400 dancers from across the country who showcased the Diwali festival’s spirit through dance performances held at Disney Springs and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, according to PTI.
The Dance Fest, directed by Jeanie Beri, the founder of Jashn Productions, unfolded over three days, offering a vibrant spectacle of colors, costumes, and captivating performances by dancers from various regions of North America. This cultural event was a unique platform for children to display their talents on a globally renowned stage.
The festivities commenced on October 26 and extended through October 28. The official parade at Disney Springs marked the launch of the celebration, with dancers presenting a 20-minute choreographed performance while parading through the streets of Disney Springs.
At the Dance Fest Showcase, held in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, 17 dance schools and performers from different parts of India, including Gujarat, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh, incorporated elements of pop and hip-hop into their presentations.
The Diwali Dance Fest was a pioneering celebration, providing young talents with an opportunity to shine on an internationally recognized platform, as highlighted in the press release. Over 1,000 guests were immersed in the sights and sounds of Diwali, as Indian music filled the iconic Disney park and colorful costumes illuminated the atmosphere.
The event was inaugurated by Disney’s beloved icons, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, who shared the stage with specially-abled children, emphasizing the inclusive spirit of the festivities. As part of the event, Jashn Productions made a charitable contribution of USD 10,000 to the N-Lorem Foundation, which is committed to developing and offering personalized experimental medicines free of charge to patients with nano-rare conditions.
(With agency inputs)
