The GIDF Opening Party

Group of dancers in traditional attire performing on stage, holding sticks with red flags.

Kick off the Gent India Dans Festival 2025 with a spectacular Opening Party – a vibrant evening of music, movement, and celebration that sets the tone for the entire festival!

Event Details

  • Date: Friday, 25 April 2025

  • Time: From 20:00 onwards

  • Location: Shoonya Dance Centre, Ghent

  • Entry: Free (no registration needed for the party)

  • Dress Code: Bollywood glam – bright colours, festive vibes, and lots of sparkle!

Dancer in a sparkly costume performing on stage surrounded by purple smoke with audience silhouettes in the foreground.

What to Expect

  • Community Garba Class to kick off the evening
    (Free with registration – everyone welcome!) - Register here

  • Live DJ set by @swapkebolly
    Featuring Bollywood, Bhangra, Kollywood & fusion hits

  • Dance floor vibes with festival artists and fellow dance lovers

  • A colourful, high-energy atmosphere filled with rhythm and joy

  • Delicious Indian food, snacks, and drinks available for purchase

Who Should Come?

Everyone! Whether you're a dancer, music lover, or just in the mood for a fun cultural night out, the GIDF Opening Party is open to all. Just bring your energy and let’s celebrate the start of the festival—Bollywood-style!

*Workshop participants with a day pass or full package can perform at the Opening Party and may be chosen for our showcase.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

A person performing a traditional Rajasthani dance, dressed in colorful ethnic attire with intricate patterns and embellishments, set against a dark background.

  • Performers must be registered participants of the Gent India Dans Festival 2025. This means you must have either:

    • A Full Package, or

    • At least a Day Pass for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

    Single workshop participants cannot participate in the Opening Party Showcase

  • Yes! Selected Opening Party performers may also be invited to perform at the GIDF Saturday Showcase on 26 April.

    📍 You must be available for both performances:

    • Show 1: 18:00

    • Show 2: 20:30

    It’s a great chance to share your art with a wider audience and fellow dancers!

  • Absolutely! All selected performers will be featured on our social media platforms leading up to and during the festival. It's a fantastic opportunity to gain visibility, connect with the community, and build your dance profile.

  • Our jury/guest artists at the festival are looking for creativity, commitment, and connection. We're not judging perfection—we're celebrating artistic growth. Performances will be evaluated based on:

    • Technique – Clarity of movement and transitions

    • Artistic Expression – Emotional connection and audience engagement

    • Synchronization – With music and fellow dancers (for duets and groups)

    • Creativity & Staging – Inventive use of space, costumes, and overall visual appeal

  • We welcome choreographies rooted in Indian dance traditions, including:

    • Classical (e.g., Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi)

    • Folk (e.g., Bhangra, Garba, Lavani)

    • Bollywood

    Fusion and contemporary influences are welcome, but traditional Indian dance elements should remain central to the performance.

    • Solo: Maximum 3 minutes

    • Duet: Maximum 3 minutes

    • Group: Maximum 4 minutes

  • The showcase is open to dancers aged 14 and up.
    📌 Minors must have written parental consent.

  • 🗓️ Submit your Opening Party showcase application by 15 April 2025.