Enlarge Traditional dance demonstration. Photo by Lashawnda K. Becoats

Posted: September 12th, 2009 Katrina Dietz

If you strolled downtown over Labor weekend, chances are you may have caught a Bollywood-dance routine or sample a vegetarian dish.

The Belk Theater played host to the 15th annual Festival of India, a community celebration of dance, cuisine and culture. It was organized by the India Association of Charlotte.

Food vendors lined Tryon Street between Trade and 5th while performances took place on a small stage at The Square. Dance performances throughout the day ranged from preschoolers demonstrating traditional dance to teenagers doing Bollywood style routines.

Within the theater, the crowd was treated to dance performances covering
traditional dances such as Bhangra and Giddha, Bollywood medleys, even
interpretations of natural themes through dance. Not your tradition Belk
Theater experience, the house lights were only dimmed and the audience
clapped and cheered along with each performance extend the festival
atmosphere into the normally reserved hall.

Interested in experiencing this rich culture for yourself, or learning more
about the Indian community in Charlotte? Here are some local links

The India Association of Charlotte is a nonprofit, non-religious, cultural organization established to serve the Indian Community in the Charlotte area and share Indian culture with the people of the Carolinas.

Voice of India This weekly radio program airs Sundays from 9:30am until noon.

Disha believes in having fun for a cause, hosting events such as Bollywood dance night to raise money for relief efforts and non-profit projects in India.

Gandhi Park Charlotte at the corner of Trade and Alexander Streets will be celebrating the parks dedication October 3rd with the unveiling of the Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi statue and a festival of Indian and Asian food music and culture.

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