In celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence – Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – the Embassy of India in Athens associated with the Artistic Studio Oriental Expression and 1st Bollywood Dance Academy Greece, to hold the 8th Bollywood & Multicultural Dance Festival in Athens from 1-3rd July 2022.
Held in the iconic open air Theater “Dora Stratou”, located near the world famous Acropolis of Athens, the Festival comprised of workshops, an International Bollywood Dance Competition and two mega shows.
The Festival, held in collaboration with the Hellenic Indian Society for Culture and Development (ELINEPA), under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), City of Athens and the International Dance Council (CID), was attended by large crowds with students and artists from more than 15 countries participating and contributing to the success of the Festival.
The Festival, spread over three days, comprised of 14 workshops and Masterclasses with 10 international teachers from all over the world. The international Bollywood dance competition was well responded to and attended. This was followed by two mega shows by various artists and groups on 2nd and 3rd July evenings. The performances, depicting various forms and professionally choreographed, were professional and scintillating enthralling the large audience, who thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the shows.
The Founder and Artistic Director of the 1st Bollywood Dance Academy Greece Anna Dimitratou; Indian choreographer, dancer and Creative Manager Sumon Rudra; traditional al Tanura performer Hassan Bolbol; Kathak dancer Kinga Malec from Poland; Carolina Rubio, Vinatha Sreeramkumar and Sneha Mistri from Spain; Lavesh Pritmani from USA; Pavan Prasad from Germany; Punjabi Bhangra Dance troupe from Koropi, Greece; were some of the notable artists/troupes who mesmerized the audience with their energetic and vibrant top of the notch performances. The Association of Greek Dances & Folklore Research “Elliniki Paradosi” presented folk dances from Thrace region of Greece to the standing ovation by the audience.
Ambassador Amrit Lugun while addressing the Festival mentioned about the historical cultural ties between India and Greece and that the Embassy is happy to associate with the Festival in this year when India is celebrating 75 years of its Independence.
