Trenton, NJ – The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) NY-NJ-CT-NE celebrated its largest turnout with their annual ‘Dance Pe Chance’ (DPC) competition on February 1, 2025.
The signature event was held in the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
Because of an overwhelming response and a record-breaking 800+ participants, this year’s event ran longer than previous editions, attracting more than 2,000 spectators for an extended evening of bright and colorful performances.
Broadway-style dance compilations were supported by a massive LED backdrop, state-of-the-art lighting, and elaborate costumes that brought Indian cultural storytelling to life through dance.
India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya S. Pradhan, administered the oath of office to the newly elected FIA Executive Committee. He announced significant developments including a new Indian Consulate in Boston, MA, a satellite office in New Jersey, and the Consulate’s new year-round operations.
FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya emphasized DPC’s volunteer-driven nature, powered by over 100 dedicated volunteers, and thanked the dance choreographers, participants, parents, sponsors and War Memorial Theatre.
“What an incredible evening at the 41st Dance Pe Chance! I am honored to witness this spectacular showcase of Indian culture alongside Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan & FIA leadership. With 800+ young performers & a packed venue, the energy was truly electrifying,” Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, advisor to FIA, and chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media, posted on Twitter. “Kudos to all participants and organizers for a record-breaking event!” he added.
The judges included dancer and actor Salman Yusuff Khan, Indian dancer Josephine Madhuri Verghese, Nupoor Art Academy founder Mamta Patel, and Yuva Dance Academy Creative Director Miral Shah.
FIA President Saurin Parikh highlighted the event’s core mission of engaging the diaspora’s youth while showcasing culture and heritage.
Dance Pe Chance’s Chair Priti Ray Patel applauded the event’s role in unifying diverse communities through the performing arts.
The FIA committee presence included FIA Convenor 2025, Sreekanth Akkapalli, CEO of TV9 North America, and FIA Grand Gala Chair Manan Saxena. Mamta Narula and Nishil Parikh served as the Emcees for the event.
Numerous sponsors and supporters made the program a success, organizers said. Among them were CGI-NY, Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold, ONYX Edge, and a number of other media outlets.
FIA’s Dance Pe Chance 41st Edition concluded with awards across multiple categories, celebrating the participants’ dedication and artistic excellence with the goal of strengthening community bonds through cultural expression.
(Used with permission)