Congressional boogie-dates: International artistes to perform in Bengaluru

The diamante-clad costumes are ready, the stockings are on and so are the lashings of lipstick, as 7,500 dancers from across the globe, prepare to battle it out at the biggest dance fiesta in town.

The 5th edition of India International Dance Congress IIDC 2016 is all set to bring Latin flavour on stage with this longest running Latin Dance Festival which will be on till July 17.

The international artistes may have come from different corners of the world, but they share one thing in common — their love for dance.

The line includes over 35 International artists of the likes of Eddie Torres (Sr. and Jr.), Alien Ramirez, Adolpho Indacochea, Tania Cannarsa and Dominican Power. This festival will focus on giving dancers an opportunity to learn new forms and techniques from the best in the world.

The weekend will be packed with interesting workshops, competitions, boot camps, performances and parties. John Anthony, founder IIDC explains, “What used to be a national festival has become now become international and one of the biggest festivals in the world.”

As dancers fly down from USA, Mexico, Italy, Spain, France, Australia, Singapore, Belgium and Netherlands, Alien Ramirez, 22 times Latin Dance world champion who will set the stage on fire, shares, “This is my second time here and I’m really excited.

The Congress helps educate dancers and showcases the hard work that they have been putting in for years. It is amazing to see how dancers in India are growing every year. There are many competitions which helps dancers to get to the next level and represent India in all the Latin Dance World Championships. It also helps dancers hone their talent.”

The dance fraternity is also looking forward to catch two generations, father and son duo Eddie Torres Senior and Eddie Torres Junior perform for the first time in India.

Fausto Felix dancer, choreographer, director and instructor states, “I’m travelling to Bengaluru to represent Bachata, which is something I love doing. To have a Latin Dance event in a non Latin country is great and I am very excited to attend all the workshops, performances and competitions taking place over the next few days.” The participants are also looking forward to click their photographs with these dance stalwarts at the photo booth.