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Gent India Dans Festival

GIDF 2027

An annual celebration of Indian dance in Belgium
See you next May for Edition Five.
Follow us on Instagram for news
Indian dance is not one thing.

It is Kalbeliya from the desert of Rajasthan. Chhau from the tribal heartlands of Odisha. Lavani from Maharashtra. Kuthu from Tamil Nadu. Giddha from Punjab. Each with its own history, its own community, its own way of moving through the world.

Every May, GIDF brings these traditions to Ghent — not as performance alone, but as experience. You learn from teachers who carry these forms in their bodies. You dance, you watch, you celebrate with a live band until late. You leave knowing something you didn't before.

Three days. Seven master teachers. One community that keeps coming back.

2026 Faculty
The Weekend at a Glance

Three days of Indian dance
in the heart of Ghent

Friday
1 May
Afternoon
Technique & Tools Lab
4-hour intensive with Colleena Shakti · Live music by Hameed Khan 'Kawa'
Evening · Workshops
Bollywood Folk Fusion & Garba Choreography
Vaishali Sagar & Shampa Gopikrishna
Evening · From 20:00
Kalbeliya community class with Swapnil · Live performances · Dariya Live Band · DJ @swapkebolly
Saturday
2 May
Morning & Afternoon · Workshops
Kuthu · Mayurbhanj Chhau · Giddha · Abhinaya
Desihop · Shampa Gopikrishna · Manasi · Colleena Shakti
Evening · 20:30
18 acts · No interval · ~90 minutes · Shoonya Theatre · Sold out
Sunday
3 May
Morning & Afternoon · Workshops
Indian Fusion Bellydance · Desi-Afro Grooves · Lavani · Bamboo Beats: Cheraw
Colleena Shakti · Desihop · Swapnil Dagliya · Vaishali Sagar
Closing · ~18:00
One Last Gupshup
A closing circle to end the weekend together
GIDF 2026 is overRegistration is closed — follow us on Instagram for news about 2027
@gentindiadansfestival

Workshops

Three days of immersive Indian dance workshops led by master teachers — from classical expression to vibrant folk traditions. All workshops welcome dancers of every background.

Friday 1 May 2026
12:00 – 16:00
Technique & Tools Lab
Pushing the Boundaries of Rajasthani Folk
Colleena Shakti✦ Colleena Shakti
Experienced dancersStudio AakashLong, flowy skirt + fitted top
Rajasthani Folk

To embody a folk dance is to imbibe a feeling, a view of life, a sense of humour — the abstract qualities of a culture. This workshop is an exploration of Rajasthani dance techniques from various communities finding their common ground, and the self-expression that expands out from this centre. Reaching beyond mere imitation, students will learn choreographic tools to empower their creative range. An approach that remains true to Rajasthani roots while building choreography in the lived present.

16:30 – 17:00 · Spill the Chai
17:00 – 18:30
Bollywood Folk Fusion
Vaishali Sagar✦ Vaishali Sagar
Experienced dancersStudio Art DecoLong, flowy skirt + fitted top
Bollyfolk

Experience the infectious energy of Mumbai. Join Vaishali Sagar to learn a powerful, folk-inspired Bollywood routine that blends cinematic flair with authentic traditional groundedness.

18:30 – 20:00
Garba Choreography
Shampa Gopikrishna✦ Shampa Gopikrishna
Experience helpfulStudio Art DecoLong, flowy skirt + fitted top
Gujarati Folk

Dive into the circular rhythm of Gujarat. This high-energy session focuses on the grace and stamina of Garba — teaching you a dynamic choreography that celebrates community, spirit, and footwork.

20:00 – 20:15 · Costume Workshop: Kalbeliya Styling
20:15 – 21:00
Community Class: Kalbeliya
Swapnil Dagliya✦ Swapnil Dagliya
Open to allStudio Art DecoLong, flowy skirt + fitted top
Rajasthani Folk

Kick off the Opening Party with the soul of the desert. Swapnil leads this inclusive, high-vibration community class where we learn the fundamental swirls and spirit of the Kalbeliya nomadic tribes — a dance recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Bring your own flowing skirt, fabric, or dupatta. A limited number of skirts available to borrow on the night, first come first served.

Saturday 2 May 2026
08:45 – 09:00 · Rise & Riyaaz
09:00 – 11:00
Kuthu: The Heartbeat of the Streets
Desihop✦ Desihop
Experience helpfulStudio Art DecoComfortable attire
Tamil Folk

Experience the raw, unapologetic energy of Kuthu — the vibrant folk-street dance of Tamil Nadu. Known for its explosive power and earthy footwork, this workshop breaks down the "rowdy" style into a high-octane Desihop choreography. Expect sweat, loud beats, and pure, unrefined joy.

11:00 – 12:30
The Martial Grace of Mayurbhanj Chhau
Shampa Gopikrishna✦ Shampa Gopikrishna
Open to allStudio Art DecoComfortable attire
Semi-Classical · Odisha

Step into the world of one of India's most striking martial art-dance forms. Originating from Odisha, Mayurbhanj Chhau is known for its stylised animal movements, sweeping leg extensions, and powerful jumps. Shampa guides you through the fundamental Uli-Chali (basic steps) and the controlled strength required to master this mask-less, heroic dance style.

12:30 – 13:30 · Lunch Break
13:30 – 15:00
Giddha: The Pulse of Punjab
Manasi Khanna✦ Manasi Khanna
Open to allStudio AnantaKnee-length tunic (kurta) + leggings
Punjabi Folk

Manasi brings the golden fields of Punjab to Ghent. Dive into the grace, playful storytelling, and rhythmic boliyan (couplets) of this traditional women's folk dance. This session celebrates sisterhood and the vibrant, clapping rhythms that define the spirit of North India.

15:00 – 15:20 · Spill the Chai
15:20 – 16:50
Abhinaya: Training Expression for Dance
Colleena Shakti✦ Colleena Shakti
Open to allStudio AnantaKnee-length tunic (kurta) + leggings
Odissi · Expression

Indian dance is a highly expressive storytelling language — and abhinaya is its grammar. Approached through the lens of Odissi classical dance, this workshop draws on the Natya Shastra to explore conceptual methods of acting alongside physical exercises that develop facial responsiveness and the expressive dynamics of the body.

Expect some theory, seated practice toning the finer muscles of facial expression, and Odissi dance phrases that put the tools of abhinaya directly into the body.

Sunday 3 May 2026
09:15 – 09:30 · Rise & Riyaaz
09:30 – 11:00
Indian Fusion Bellydance
Colleena Shakti✦ Colleena Shakti
Experience helpfulStudio AnantaComfortable attire
Fusion · Raqs Sharqi

Where ancient India meets the Middle East. This workshop weaves together the fluid vocabulary of Bellydance and Raqs Sharqi with the postures, spins, and expressiveness of Indian classical and folk dance — both ancient and modern, seamlessly one. A taste of Colleena's unique fusion style through technique drills and short compositions.

11:00 – 12:30
Desi-Afro Grooves: From Mumbai to Lagos
Desihop✦ Desihop
Open to allStudio AnantaComfortable attire
Fusion

Experience the high-vibration synergy where the rhythms of Africa meet the flavour of India. Fusing the grounded, polyrhythmic nature of Afrobeat with the infectious energy of Indian street dance. Body isolations, heavy basslines, and a whole lot of soul.

12:30 – 13:30 · Lunch Break
13:30 – 15:30
Lavani: The Bold Heart of Maharashtra
Swapnil Dagliya✦ Swapnil Dagliya
Experience helpfulStudio AnantaKnee-length tunic (kurta) + leggings
Maharashtrian Folk

Dive into the theatrical and feminine power of Lavani. Known for its rapid footwork and cheeky storytelling, this workshop focuses on the traditional Dholki rhythm. Swapnil guides you through the sharp movements and the playful Adaa (expressions) that define this vibrant Maharashtrian folk form.

15:30 – 15:50 · Spill the Chai
15:50 – 17:20
Bamboo Beats: The Rhythms of Cheraw
Vaishali Sagar✦ Vaishali Sagar
Open to allStudio AnantaKnee-length tunic (kurta) + leggings
Mizoram Folk

Step over the bamboo with precision and grace. Explore Cheraw, the bamboo dance of Mizoram — a masterclass in timing and coordination where dancers navigate the rhythmic clanging of bamboo poles. Vaishali will teach you the intricate patterns and the soaring energy of this unique North-Eastern Indian treasure.

17:20 – 18:00 · One Last Gupshup

Practical Info

Everything you need before you arrive at Shoonya Dance Centre for GIDF 2026.

Festival Venue
Shoonya Dance Centre
📍 Stapelplein 41, 9000 Gent — Belgium

Our creative home in the heart of Ghent, Shoonya Dance Centre is the central hub for GIDF. From immersive workshops and technical labs to the Gala Showcase and Opening Party, every moment of the festival unfolds under one roof — in the space where it all happens.

Shoonya Dance Centre
🚗
Getting There
By BusLines 5 and 8 stop directly in front of Stapelplein.
By TrainGent-Dampoort Station (700m, 10-min walk) or Tram 4 to Sleepstraat.
By BikeAmple bike parking on Stapelplein square.
By CarStreet parking in surrounding streets — chargeable until 23:00 including Sundays. Paid parking at Dok-Noord (~5 min walk).
👗
What to wear
All workshops are barefoot — leave street shoes at the door
Each workshop card shows a suggested outfit — long, flowy skirt + fitted top for skirt-based styles, knee-length tunic (kurta) + leggings for most workshops, comfortable attire suitable for movement for fusion and high-energy classes
Wear something you can move freely in — fitted enough not to get in the way, loose enough to breathe
Bring a change of clothes and a towel — you will sweat
Water bottle — studios get warm
🏛️
Studios at Shoonya
Studio Art Deco · 1st Floor240m² · Main workshop space & Shoonya Theatre for the Gala Showcase.
Studio Ananta · Ground Floor140m² · Opening Party venue. Rise & Riyaaz each morning.
Studio Aakash · 2nd Floor140m² · Sprung floor. Technique & Tools Lab.
Bar AreaSpill the Chai community breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Workshops

No experience is needed to join any workshop — every teacher at GIDF welcomes beginners. That said, these are real workshops led by master teachers, and they will challenge you. You won't be standing at the back watching; you'll be learning, moving, and probably working harder than you expected. That's the point. If you're new and want a gentler entry, the Discovery Pass (€125) gives you five foundation workshops across Saturday and Sunday — a good mix to find your footing.

Yes, all workshops are conducted in English.

All workshops are barefoot — no street shoes on studio floors. Each workshop card shows a suggested outfit: long, flowy skirt + fitted top for skirt-based styles, knee-length tunic (kurta) + leggings for most workshops, and comfortable attire suitable for movement for fusion and high-energy classes. Wear something you can move freely in. Bring a change of clothes and a towel — you will sweat.

A morning warm-up session with Swapnil to start the day — Saturday 08:45–09:00, Sunday 09:15–09:30. Included with all passes. Not on Friday.

Opening Party & Gala

The Opening Party (Friday night) is a social celebration — a Kalbeliya community class, live performances, the Dariya Live Band, and DJ @swapkebolly. The Gala Showcase (Saturday evening) is a seated theatrical performance with 18 acts across ~90 minutes.

It's a seated evening show in a proper theatre — dress up a little. Desi festive or Indian formal is very much at home here; this is an Indian dance festival after all. Smart casual works fine too. There's no dress code, but people do make an effort.

Applications for the Opening Party are now closed. Follow us on Instagram for news about future editions.

Tickets & Booking

Recommended but not mandatory — on-the-spot registration is available on the day, subject to space. That said, workshops do sell out, and walk-in prices are higher than online. Book in advance to secure your spot and save.

Absolutely. Day passes are available for Friday (€65), Saturday (€110), and Sunday (€110). You can also book individual workshops without a pass.

All registrations and tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable under any circumstances — this applies to workshops, showcases, and all other events. Entry fees do not include food and drinks, which are purchased separately on the day. Missed sessions and cancellations due to force majeure are also non-refundable.

On the Day

Yes. Workshop participants can buy a light lunch — soup and a sandwich — during the afternoon. The Spill the Chai community breaks come with chai we make and share, included with your pass. At the Opening Party on Friday night, Indian food and snacks will be on sale.

Yes — Shoonya Dance Centre is accessible. If you have specific access needs or questions, get in touch before the event and we'll make sure everything is arranged.

Yes — workshops and festival moments will be photographed and filmed for GIDF and ABC. If you have any concerns about being included, speak to a team member on the day.