Diwali Dance Fest Returns To Walt Disney World With Dances, Community Spirit

Photo: Geo Media Co

India-West Staff Reporter

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – The Diwali Dance Fest made a dazzling return to Walt Disney World Resort for its second year, bringing together over 300 dancers from across North America. Directed and produced by Jeanie Beri, founder of Jashn Productions, the event celebrated the festival of lights with three vibrant days of dance, featuring a special parade and a three-hour showcase.

Held from November 7–10, the festivities kicked off with a celebration at EET, an Indian-inspired restaurant at Disney Springs, hosted by celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan. This was followed by a spectacular parade at Disney Springs, where dancers performed a 20-minute choreographed routine for an enthusiastic crowd of parents, supporters, and guests.

The festival culminated in the signature Dance Fest Showcase at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Performances by 17 dance schools highlighted regional dances from Gujarat, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh, seamlessly blending traditional forms with pop, hip-hop, and classical Indian styles. Featured acts included B Funk, a Los Angeles-based Bhangra and Bollywood dance company, and SA Dance Company, led by artistic director Payal Kadakia Pujji. The evening was hosted by former Broadway star Shoba Narayan, known for her role in Disney’s Aladdin.

In addition to celebrating dance and culture, the festival embraced its commitment to community. Proceeds were donated to the Make Me Stronger Foundation, which collaborates with various charitable organizations. Adding a touch of magic, Disney characters opened the event alongside children with special needs, sponsored by the SKN Foundation.

“After the success of the first Diwali Dance Fest, we knew we had to make year two even bigger and better,” said Jeanie Beri. “Celebrating the magic of Diwali at Disney is truly a dream come true. We’re excited to continue providing opportunities for the next generation of dancers on mainstream stages while fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.”

The Diwali Dance Fest once again illuminated the power of cultural celebration, leaving participants and spectators with unforgettable memories and a renewed appreciation for the festival of lights.