THE GIDF GRAND OPENING PARTY

Kick off the Gent India Dans Festival 2026 with a spectacular Opening Party – a vibrant evening of music, movement, and celebration that sets the tone for the entire festival!

Friday, 1 May 2026
Shoonya Dance Centre
Stapelplein 41, 9000 Gent

Tickets: €15 p.p.

BUY TICKETS

(Included in the Full Festival Pass)

LIVE BAND

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COMMUNITY CLASS

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DJ PARTY

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PERFORMANCES

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INDIAN FOOD

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LIVE BAND * COMMUNITY CLASS * DJ PARTY * PERFORMANCES * INDIAN FOOD *

Kalbeliya Community Class
Swapnil | 20:00

Note: Bring your own flowing skirts, fabric, or scarves to capture the full magic of the dance. A limited number of skirts will be available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.

Step into the soulful world of Rajasthan! This session kicks off with 15 minutes of Kalbeliya styling, followed by a 45-minute dance workshop focused on the sinuous, serpentine movements and fluid spins that define this expressive folk style.

Live Band
Dariya | 21:00

Led by Shivam’s raw vocals and guitar, backed by Ramit’s percussion and Abhijit’s bass, Dariya weaves a tapestry of folk-inspired melodies. Drawing from the landscapes of Eastern India and themes of mythology—from Natraja to Ardhanarishwar—their sound is a blend of deep-rooted honesty and spirited Bollywood interpretations. Come experience music as a form of liberation.

Live DJ Set
Dj @swapkebolly | 22:00 onwards

Folk Meets Mainstream The energy shifts as DJ @swapkebolly takes the decks! Get ready for a high-octane mix of Bollywood hits, Bhangra, and the best of Kollywood & Tollywood. We’ll be bridging the gap between traditional and trendy, featuring folk dance classics for Garba, Rajasthani folk, and more.

  • Keep your eyes on the floor! We’re featuring special guest performances from our festival participants, along with a few surprises interspersed throughout the evening.

  • Fuel your dance moves! A variety of authentic Indian food, snacks, and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

  • The GIDF Opening Party is open to everyone. Whether you are a professional dancer, a music lover, or simply looking for a vibrant cultural experience, all are welcome. Bring your energy and celebrate the start of the festival in true Bollywood style!

RULES AND REGULATIONS

  • All 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.

    • A Discovery Pass

    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 2nd May.

    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 parental consent.

  • Submit your Opening Party showcase application by 15 April 2026.