AKDC Diwali Take over

Diwali: A Celebration of Light, Dance, Art & Community

Join Arunima Kumar Dance Company (AKDC) for a vibrant, participatory celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, bringing together a beautiful mélange of Indian classical dance forms, art and intergenerational creativity.

Celebrate the festival of light with the joy of togetherness and the power of community through an afternoon that showcases the extraordinary diversity of India’s classical dance traditions.

The celebration begins with an engaging, hands-on art workshop, inviting children and adults to explore their creativity through drawing and painting inspired by Diwali, Indian culture and the vibrant world of classical dance. Led by lead workshop facilitator from Shobana Art Studio, this is an opportunity for generations to come together, create and share in the festive spirit.

The afternoon continues with a spectacular showcase of Indian classical dance, featuring leading artists and young performers across a rich tapestry of traditions. Audiences will experience the grace and expressive storytelling of Bharatanatyam with Team Annam, the beauty of Odissi with internationally acclaimed artist Pallavi Vijay, and the dynamic artistry of Kuchipudi with an award-winning, intergenerational cast from Arunima Kumar Dance Company, featuring children and leading adult dancers.

From established artists to the next generation of performers, this celebration honours the richness of India’s cultural heritage while creating space for connection, discovery and shared joy.

And the celebration doesn’t end with watching! Everyone is invited to join an interactive dance-along, experience the joy of movement and become part of the festivities — no previous dance experience necessary.

Come to create, watch, dance and celebrate. Whether you are familiar with Indian classical arts or discovering them for the first time, everyone is welcome.

This Diwali, let us celebrate not only the triumph of light over darkness, but also the light we bring into one another’s lives through art, hope, inclusion and community.

All are welcome. Come as you are, join in, and celebrate the light together!Join Arts & Kuchipudi Dance Charity (AKDC) for a vibrant celebration of Diwali and the classical Indian dance form of Kuchipudi, just in time for the festival of lights.

The session opens with a hands-on drawing and painting workshop where children and adults alike can get creative together, illustrating objects and imagery inspired by Diwali and Kuchipudi — a relaxed and fun way to bring people together and set the scene for what's to come.

This is followed by an intergenerational Kuchipudi performance featuring AKDC dancers of all ages, showcasing the beauty, rhythm and storytelling of this classical dance tradition.

To close, the audience is invited to get on their feet and experience Kuchipudi first-hand in an interactive dance-along led by AKDC — no experience needed, just enthusiasm!

Whether you're a seasoned arts lover or completely new to Indian classical dance, Masala Chai offers something for everyone — creativity, culture, community, and a whole lot of celebration.