GURGAON, Apr 6: If you thought Latin dancing meant only salsa you could’nt be more wrong.
A festival combining styles of dance from different countries in South and Central America is scheduled to be showcased here.
Professional dancers from over 30 countries will put on their set to dance the Bachata from Dominican Republic, the Cha-Cha and the Mambo from Cuba among other styles of Latin dance at the India Fiesta Latina in Gurgaon.
The third edition of the mega dance festival is scheduled to begin on April 11 at the Hotel Leela Ambience.
“There are over 50,000 salsa enthusiasts in the country. so the core of the festival is definitely salsa but there are also other dance forms like the Bachata, the Merengue, Rumba as well as the cha cha among others,” says festival organiser Sunil Chopra.
Chopra along with his partner Neeraj Maskara had in 2012 developed the idea to make Delhi one of the leading international hubs for Salsa.
They say they eventually aim to bring the World Salsa Championship to India in coming years.
The present edition of IFL would see artists, performers and DJs from more than 30 countries, with over 60 shows and 60 performances attending the festival.
“The event is aimed at attracting everybody. Even if you have never danced before there is no problem. Dancers and instructors from US, Australia, Turkey, Amsterdam, Peru, Chile, Turkey, Australia, Singapore, Italy, Poland, Norway, France, Germany will be dancing and conducting workshops,” says Chopta.
Papa CJ, a leading international stand up comedian, who is also one of the event ambassadors of the festival is set to host the festival.
“Neeraj has been dancing at various Latin congress’ across the world. He received widespread applause at the festival in Berlin in October where he had showcased a Bollywood act. He is one of the biggest Indian orgin Latino dancer,” says Chopra.
The festival also aims to provides opportunities for dance schools to display their acts.
“We have a lot of new acts from India and want to display local talent. Last time we had students from Hansraj college participating, this time Jesus and Mary College students are participating,” says Chopra.
Delhi-based Mundo Latino, a centre for promoting Latin culture and dances, as well Spanish language, is supporting the festival, that is produced by Circus Entertainment.
Organisers say the IFL 2014 is set to travel to Goa, Agra and Jaipur this year. (PTI)
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