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
WHEN DANCE BECOMES THE LANGUAGE OF PEACE
The 12th Bollywood & Multicultural Dance Festival Concludes with Outstanding Success
Two spectacular performances, an international dance competition, three days of workshops, an unforgettable Welcome Party and hundreds of spectators celebrated one of Greece’s leading multicultural festivals
The 12th Bollywood & Multicultural Dance Festival concluded with outstanding success, once again confirming its international profile and its position as one of Greece’s leading cultural events. From the vibrant Welcome Party at Rubirosa and the three-day international dance workshops held at the Mets Indoor Basketball Hall, to the 11th International Bollywood Dance Competition and the two spectacular performances at the Dora Stratou Theatre, the festival offered four unforgettable days of dance and cultural exchange. Attended by hundreds of spectators and widely covered by Greece’s major media outlets, including MEGA, ALPHA, ERT and many others, the Festival once again demonstrated the power of dance to unite cultures and people from around the world.
Athens Danced to the Rhythm of the World
The 12th Bollywood & Multicultural Dance Festival brought together more than 300 artists from 23 countries in a vibrant celebration of culture, friendship and artistic excellence, attracting a full-house audience and the presence of Ambassadors, diplomatic representatives and distinguished officials.
Two Unforgettable Evenings that United the World Through Dance
Athens once again became a global meeting point for culture, creativity and artistic expression as the 12th Bollywood & Multicultural Dance Festival concluded with remarkable success, reaffirming its position as one of Greece’s leading international cultural events.
Bringing together more than 300 artists from 21 countries, the Festival transformed the stage into a spectacular celebration of diversity, where music, dance and tradition became a universal language of communication. Both performances were presented before a full-house audience, whose enthusiastic applause reflected the exceptional artistic quality of this year’s programme.
For two unforgettable evenings, audiences experienced an inspiring journey across continents, discovering the richness of Indian culture alongside artistic traditions from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond. Every performance highlighted the Festival’s enduring mission: to build bridges between people and cultures through the universal language of dance.
Ambassadors and Distinguished Guests Honoured the Festival with Their Presence
A highlight of this year’s Festival was the presence of H.E. Mr. Shri Ravi Shankar, Ambassador of India to Greece, who addressed the audience and reaffirmed the Embassy of India’s continued support for a cultural institution that promotes Indian heritage while strengthening the long-standing bonds of friendship between India and Greece.
The Festival was also honoured by H.E. Mr. Laudemar Gonçalves de Aguiar Neto, Ambassador of Brazil, Mrs. Marianna Mehesi–Gal, Chargé d’ Affaires A.I. of Hungary, and Mr. Wojciech Ponikiewski, Chargé d’Affaires A.I. of the Republic of Poland, as well as representatives of the Embassy of the Philippines: Mr. Christopher Castillo, Vice Consul, and Ms. Fe Dumaguit-Molina, Cultural Officer. The Festival was also honoured by the presence of Dr. Alkis Raftis, President of the International Dance Council (CID UNESCO), the Cultural Attachés of the Embassies of Portugal and Georgia, and Mr. Georgios Olympios, Knight of the Vatican, whose presence further underscored the Festival’s international prestige and its important contribution to cultural diplomacy, intercultural dialogue and international cooperation.
A Colourful Journey Across the Dances and Cultures of the World
The Festival programme presented an extraordinary panorama of artistic traditions, celebrating the richness and diversity of world cultures through dance.
Outstanding performances were presented by Tarang Dance Academy (Sweden), AUM Dance Creations (USA), Royalusion (Singapore), Mohini Dance Group (United Kingdom), Elnura Bolly Troupe (Italy), Ria Saraf and Team (United Kingdom), Sufi Six (Romania), and the Spanish artists Maca & Pepe.
The audience was equally captivated by the internationally acclaimed guest artists Shivanshu Soni, Heet Samani, George Jacob, Iswarya Jayakumar, Ria Saraf, Kinga Malec, Hassan Bolbol and Iulian Mihaila, whose exceptional artistry, technical excellence and stage presence contributed significantly to the outstanding artistic quality of the Festival.
Greece Welcomed the World on Stage
The Festival also celebrated the remarkable contribution of the Greek dance community, demonstrating the continuous growth of Bollywood and multicultural dance in Greece.
The 1st Bollywood Dance Academy Greece presented a series of dynamic choreographies reflecting artistic excellence, creativity and dedication to the promotion of Indian dance and culture.
Equally impressive were the performances of the Oriental Expression dance groups, whose diverse choreographies combined tradition with contemporary artistic expression, highlighting the richness of ethnic dance and cultural fusion.
A particularly emotional conclusion to the Festival was presented by the Ancient Ellis Cultural Association, whose authentic Greek and Pontic folk dances, performed in traditional costumes, beautifully reminded audiences that Greece’s own cultural heritage remains an essential part of this multicultural celebration.
The Voices that Brought the Festival Together
For yet another year, the Festival opened under the experienced and inspiring guidance of the distinguished journalist Mr. Nikolas Vafeiadis, who welcomed the audience and introduced H.E. Mr. Shri Ravi Shankar, Ambassador of India to Greece, H.E. Mr. Laudemar Gonçalves de Aguiar Neto, Ambassador of Brazil, together with the Festival’s distinguished guests. Through his eloquence, warmth and journalistic experience, he highlighted the Festival’s deeper message: that culture and the arts build bridges of friendship, cooperation and peaceful coexistence among nations.
The artistic programme was presented by the well-known actress Ms. Maria Baloutsou, who accompanied the audience throughout both performances by introducing each choreography, artist and participating group with professionalism, warmth and precision. Her contribution ensured the smooth flow and coordination of the programme, enriching the overall Festival experience.
The People Behind the Success
The outstanding success of the 12th Bollywood & Multicultural Dance Festival was the result of months of dedicated teamwork, careful planning and genuine passion for cultural exchange.
The Festival’s artistic direction and overall coordination were led by Anna Dimitratou and Sumon Rudra. Their work was strongly supported by Alexandra Vafiadou, together with Dr. Dimitrios Vasileiadis, President of the Hellenic-Indian Society of Culture & Development, whose continuous support has played an important role in strengthening cultural relations between Greece and India through the Festival.
A Heartfelt Thank You
The organisers extend their sincere gratitude to all participating artists, choreographers, dance teachers, volunteers, technicians, production staff and collaborators. Special appreciation is extended to the Festival’s Sponsors, Media Sponsors and Supporters. The organisers also express their deepest gratitude to all organisations and institutions that placed the Festival under their Auspices.
Special thanks are addressed to the Embassy of India in Greece, whose continuous support has been instrumental in strengthening the cultural ties between Greece and India and supporting the Festival’s international development.
Looking Towards the Future
The organisers express their heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming response of the audience and hope that, despite the scale and complexity of such an international production, any minor imperfections were met with understanding.
As the curtain falls on the 12th Bollywood & Multicultural Dance Festival, it leaves behind friendships, artistic collaborations, unforgettable memories and a renewed belief that culture has the power to bring people together.
With the same passion, vision and commitment to cultural exchange, the organisers now look forward to welcoming audiences from around the world to the 13th Bollywood & Multicultural Dance Festival, in 2027.
“When Dance Becomes the Language of Peace, People Come Closer.”
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