Southern California Indian Dance Academy to Shine at Disney's Diwali Fest
Synopsis
A Southern California Indian dance school, Ghungroo Dance Academy, has made headlines by being selected for the prestigious Diwali Dance Festival at Walt Disney World. This achievement highlights their commitment to cultural representation and community engagement.
Key Takeaways
Ghungroo Dance School is representing Southern California at Disney's Diwali Dance Fest.
The school was chosen from over 400 applicants, reflecting its strong performance.
It offers diverse dance classes for various age groups.
The academy promotes cultural inclusivity and community outreach.
Students connect with Indian music and dance in innovative ways.
Washington, March 24 (NationPress) A prominent Indian dance academy from Southern California has been chosen to showcase its talents at the Diwali Dance Festival held at Walt Disney World, signifying a significant achievement for the Santa Clarita-based group.
Ghungroo Dance School was honored from a pool of 25 teams selected out of over 400 applicants. This recognition underscores its increasing visibility and impressive performance history, as stated in a media release on Monday.
Established by dance instructor Jini Valiaveettil, the academy provides weekly lessons in Bollywood and semi-classical dance styles, addressing participants of all ages, from young children to adults.
The academy has earned a reputation for its inclusive training programs, welcoming students from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The emphasis is on rhythm, movement, and community engagement.
“Bollyhop has gained immense popularity across Southern California,” Valiaveettil remarked. “We’ve devised a format that truly resonates with dancers from diverse cultures. It's thrilling to witness students forging connections with Indian music and dance in a refreshing manner.”
The school's instructional staff features Karthika Ashok, who specializes in classical Indian and Bollywood dance, while Manya Aggarwal introduces a modern twist with Bollyhop, blending Bollywood with hip-hop.
This combination of traditional and modern styles has successfully attracted younger audiences.
Ghungroo dancers frequently participate in significant cultural celebrations throughout Southern California. They were involved in the inauguration of the Radha Krishna Dham Hindu Temple in Tarzana.
Additionally, they have performed at Indian Independence Day festivities across the area, events that gather large and diverse crowds.
The school also engages in community outreach, collaborating with CRY America to support initiatives aimed at underprivileged children in India through cultural programs.
Point of View
The selection of Ghungroo Dance School for the Diwali Dance Fest at Disney World underscores the importance of cultural representation in mainstream events. This achievement not only highlights the academy's talent but also promotes diversity and inclusion within the arts.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Diwali Dance Fest?
The Diwali Dance Fest is an annual celebration held at Walt Disney World that showcases various dance forms, celebrating the cultural significance of Diwali.
Who founded Ghungroo Dance School?
Ghungroo Dance School was founded by dance instructor Jini Valiaveettil.
What styles of dance does the academy teach?
The academy offers classes in Bollywood and semi-classical dance, along with modern styles like Bollyhop.
How does Ghungroo engage with the community?
The school partners with organizations like CRY America to support underprivileged children in India through cultural programs.
What age groups does the academy cater to?
Ghungroo Dance School offers classes for all age groups, from young children to adults.
