Under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), the City of Athens, the Embassy of India in Athens, and the International Dance Council (CID)
12th “Bollywood & Multicultural Dance Festival”
Athens, 25 – 28 June 2026
Friday: the 11th International Bollywood Dance Competition
Saturday – Sunday: 2 Unique Performances at the Dora Stratou Theatre
East and West, two seemingly distant worlds, find a magical connection at the historic Dora Stratou Theatre, in the heart of Athens, against the breathtaking backdrop of the lush green Filopappou Hill, from 25 – 28 June 2026.
Three days of cultural immersion filled with mystery, charm, music, dance, and boundless aesthetics.
“Greece has always been a crossroads between East and West, where diverse civilizations met and blended throughout thousands of years. From India and the Middle East to North Africa and the Mediterranean Basin, great cultures came into close contact, exchanging numerous elements mainly related to culture and the Arts. The Festival aims to highlight these unique characteristics, with emphasis on the Art of Dance and Music, while also giving visitors the opportunity to discover the magic and beauty of peaceful coexistence through Art and Culture.”
As part of the Festival, dancers, musicians, and cultural figures from Greece and abroad will participate. In addition, workshops, performances, a dance competition, presentations, and many other activities will take place.
12 DANCE WORKSHOPS
Regarding the educational aspect of the Festival, visitors will have the opportunity to attend 12 different workshops taught by top instructors featuring techniques and choreographies in: Bollywood, Bharatanatyam Fusion, Kathak Fusion, Bhangra, Garba, Kuthu, and more.
2 UNIQUE SHOWS
The Highlight of the festival is the two Amazing Shows at the historic Dora Stratou Theatre, in the heart of Athens, with the Filopappos green hill background, on 27th June (Saturday) and 28th June (Sunday) 2026. The audience will have a treat to witness a plethora of dance styles from all over the world and multicultural character by great artists from Greece and abroad, as well as exclusive choreographies from 1st Bollywood Dance Academy Greece.
A glimpse into the list of the Dance Professionals this year: The founder of the “1st Bollywood Dance Academy Greece”, Teacher, Choreographer and Performer Anna Dimitratou, the creative manager of the Festival, choreographer, teacher and performer Sumon Rudra, Heet Samani and his team from India, Iswarya Jayakumar and Royalusion from Singapore, Shivansu Soni from India, Kinga Malec and the Mohini Indian Dance Group from Poland, Ria Saraf and her team, George Jacob from India together with the Elnura Bollywood Troupe from Italy, Iulian Mihaila and the Sufi Six from Romania, Hassan Bol Bol from Egypt, as well as major dance groups from Greece and abroad, including the Association of People Originating from Gastouni – Ancient Elis, the Caucasus Cultural Center presenting Georgian dances, Vamos Dance Academy with Latin dances, the Mistri Bollywood Dance Group from Spain, Grupo Sevillanas with Flamenco, TaRang School of Dance from Sweden, AUM Dance Creations from the USA, and many other artists and dance groups who will transport the audience into the magical world of dance and movement.
The 11th International Bollywood Dance Competition
The Festival also hosts the “11th International Bollywood Dance Competition” in Greece, organized by the “Oriental Expression Awards”. The competition will take place at the Theatre venue on Friday 26 June 2026, before a distinguished multi-member judging panel, and will be divided into two levels: Amateur and Professional, and into three categories: Solo, Duets and Group. Winners will receive medals and prizes.
Mini Bazaar & Indian Cuisine
During the Competition and the two Mega Shows, a mini Bazaar will operate at the Theatre venue. At the same time, participants and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy Indian cuisine from the renowned restaurant “Indian Chef”.
The Opening Party
This is the grand welcome party that marks the official opening of the Festival. It will be filled with dance surprises, where all the friends and guests of the Festival WILL BE THERE!!! The party will take place on Thursday 25 June 2026 at “Rubirosa Events” in Alimos.
The Social Action of the Festival
During the two major Festival performances and the Competition, charitable, environmental, and animal welfare organizations are invited to join us join us, aiming to raise public awareness.
This year, we are honoured to welcome PEPSAEE (Panhellenic Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Professional Reintegration). PEPSAEE is a scientific non-profit organization founded in 1997, with the primary mission of supporting the social inclusion, psychosocial rehabilitation, and professional reintegration of individuals facing psychosocial challenges.
The Festival is organized by the Artistic Studio Oriental Expression and the 1st Bollywood Dance Academy Greece, in collaboration with the Hellenic-Indian Society for Culture & Development (ELINEPA), under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), the City of Athens, the Embassy of India in Athens, and the International Dance Council (CID).
For more information regarding the Festival, the Competition, the workshops, and tickets, please visit our website: https://bollywoodfestival.gr
TICKETS: ticketservices.gr
Information: Tel.: 210 9735 888 | www.bollywoodfestival.gr | info@bollywoodfestival.gr
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