Over 500 Dancers Take Part In Disney World Diwali Parade And Festival
India-West News Desk
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – More than 500 dancers representing 25 studios from around the world gathered at Walt Disney World Resort October 22-25 for the fourth annual Diwali Dance Fest, showcasing South Asian music, dance and cultural traditions.
Produced by Jashn Productions and its founder, Jeanie Beri, the festival brought performers and their families together for celebrations across EPCOT, Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The festivities opened October 22 with the Jashn-E-Magic Diwali Mela at EPCOT’s World Showplace Pavilion. More than 1,100 dancers and guests attended the gathering, which featured Indian food, music and cultural celebrations. The evening concluded with guests watching EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular, Luminous The Symphony of Us.
The following day, more than 500 dancers dressed in traditional Indian attire took part in the Grand Diwali Parade along Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom, performing coordinated routines against the backdrop of Cinderella Castle. Disney characters Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse also joined the celebration.
The festival continued at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with an International Dance Showcase featuring 25 dance studios and a range of South Asian dance traditions, including classical forms, regional folk styles and Bollywood performances. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul hosted the showcase, which concluded with a live performance by Canadian-Indian singer, songwriter and producer Tesher, known for his global hit ‘Jalebi Baby.’
“Celebrating Diwali at Walt Disney World is something I genuinely never imagined I’d get to do,” Tesher said. “I’ve been a Disney fan my whole life, so the fact that I get to perform there while celebrating a part of my culture makes this an incredibly special moment.”
Launched in 2023 with 400 participants, the Diwali Dance Fest was created to give young South Asian dancers an opportunity to celebrate their heritage on a mainstream stage. It has since grown into an international gathering that brings together traditional and contemporary dance, music and community.
