COME CELEBRATE
INDIAN DANCE WITH US.
IN THE HEART OF EUROPE.
May 1 - 3 2026 | Ghent, Belgium
The Gent India Dans Festival (GIDF) is Ghent city’s annual celebration of Indian dance, bringing together the colors, rhythms, and stories of India’s rich dance culture.
From traditional folk dances to contemporary creations, from powerful rhythms to graceful expressions, GIDF showcases the diversity and energy of Indian dance through inspiring performances, dynamic workshops, and an engaging community atmosphere.
Curated by Swapnil Dagliya and organized by ABC a Bollywood Company at Shoonya Dance Centre, the festival creates a welcoming space for dancers, enthusiasts, and cultural lovers to connect, learn, and celebrate. Whether you’re a passionate dancer or simply curious about Indian dance, GIDF offers a vibrant cultural experience in the heart of Ghent.
FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Friday 1 May
11:30 – 12:00 Arrival & Registration
12:00 – 16:00 Technique & Tools Lab
16:30 – 17:00 Spill the Chai
17:00 – 18:30 Workshop 1 - Bollyfolk
18:30 – 20:00 Workshop 2 – Garba
20:00 – 20:15 Costume Workshop – Kalbeliya Styling
20:15 – 21:00 Community Class – Kalbeliya – Swapnil
21:00 onwards Opening Party
Saturday 2 May
8:30 – 8:45 Arrival & Registration
08:45 – 09:00 Rise & Riyaaz with Swapnil
09:00 – 11:00 Workshop 3 – Kuthu
11:00 – 12:30 Workshop 4 – Semi-classical
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch Break
13:30 – 15:00 Workshop 5 – Giddha
15:00 – 15:20 Spill the Chai
15:20 – 16:50 Workshop 6 – Classical Dance
20:30 Gala Showcase
Sunday 3 May
09:00 - 09:15 Arrival & Registration
09:15 – 09:30 Rise & Riyaaz with Swapnil
09:30 – 11:00 Workshop 7 – Indian Fusion Bellydance
11:00 – 12:30 Workshop 8 – Desi Afro Basics
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch Break
13:30 – 15:30 Workshop 9 – Lavani
15:30 – 15:50 Spill the Chai
15:50 – 17:20 Workshop 10 – Cheraw
17:20 – 18:00 One Last Gupshup
*Schedule subject to change
Rise & Riyaaz
A gentle morning session to awaken your body, tune your mind, and set the rhythm for the day ahead. Move, stretch, and arrive fully prepared — physically and mentally — for the workshops to come.
One Last Gupshup
Stretch, cool down, and settle into the festival’s final circle. Reflect on your experiences, share stories, say your goodbyes, and connect with teachers & fellow dancers through a relaxed Q&A. Take a piece of the festival home with you.
Spill the Chai
A pause to slow down and sip chai, while sharing reflections and exchanging thoughts with fellow dancers and teachers — a relaxed moment before returning to the studio.
Don’t have a Shoonya ID yet?
Create one here (this is a one-time step).
Once done, you can continue with your festival registration smoothly.
Registration and Entry Guidelines
Secure Your Spot:
Register in advance to secure your spot, as registrations close once maximum capacity is reached.
Confirmation of your spot requires completing registration and payment.Workshop Accessibility:
All workshops welcome dancers of all levels, ages 12 and above, aiming to introduce new dance styles and Indian culture understanding.Performance Opportunity:
Registered full-festival or day-pass participants may perform at the opening party: solos up to 2 minutes, groups up to 3 minutes.Dress Code:
Indian dance wear, including skirts for certain workshops, is encouraged but not mandatory.
Some workshops may require long flow skirts, a few of which will be available. Consider bringing your own if possible.Footwear and Etiquette:
Dance floors at Shoonya Dance Centre are shoe-free zones. Please dance barefoot, though socks are optional.
Outside food and drinks are not allowed, except for water bottles.Food Options:
Snacks will be available for purchase during the Opening Party on Friday.
Soup and sandwiches will be offered for purchase during lunch hours on both Saturday and Sunday.
Refund Policy
Registrations and tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Ticket Purchases: Tickets for showcases, workshops, and events are also non-transferable and non-refundable under any circumstances.
Entry fees exclude food and drinks, which must be purchased separately.
Missed sessions and force majeure events are non-refundable.
VENUE
Shoonya Dance Centre, Stapelplein 41, 9000 Gent - Belgium
Shoonya Dance Centre, our creative home in the heart of Ghent, is the central location for all Gent India Dans Festival activities. Whether it’s the engaging workshops, captivating showcase, exciting competition, or the energetic community Garba class, everything comes together under one roof at Shoonya. Join us and experience the magic where it all happens!