South Asian Showdown Selects Ten Finalists To Compete In 17^th Annual Bollywood/Fusion Competition Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Strand Theatre in Boston

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South Asian Showdown has announced the ten teams that will compete in the 17th annual Bollywood/Fusion dance competition. One of North America’s premier showcases of South Asian fusion dance, the event brings together some of the most celebrated dance groups from across the United States. These teams will tell a unique story through expertly choreographed dance moves and colorful costumes for the chance to win a generous cash prize on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Strand Theatre in Boston. Tickets are on sale now at www.southasianshowdown.com/2026/.

“Each year, this contest gets bigger and better,” said Rohit Bhambi, founder of South Asian Showdown. “We have ten teams ready to bring can’t-miss performances to the stage. You will be locked in from the moment the first foot pulsing music plays in this phenomenal atmosphere.”

Bollywood Fusion is a highly energetic dance from India that combines many different styles of dance coordinated to a theme. Audience members will see Bollywood, Hip Hop, Bhangra, Classical, Contemporary, Tollywood and more!

The 2026 competitors for the South Asian Showdown are:

Cornell Sitara, New York

Cornell Sitara is Cornell University’s premier co-ed South Asian fusion dance team. Sitara blends classical, Bollywood, and bhangra styles with Western forms such as hip-hop and contemporary to create dynamic, narrative-driven performances. As Cornell’s longest-standing South Asian club, Sitara has been promoting South Asian culture on Cornell’s campus for over 40 years and has proudly competed in the South Asian fusion circuit for the past four.

DFD Academy, Massachusetts

DFD Academy is a bi-coastal dance company with programs in Boston, Los Angeles, and online. Their travel team has been competing in the fusion dance circuit since 2019. At DFD, dance is more than movement — it’s a way for dancers to take up space, honor where they come from, and express the parts of themselves they never knew they had.

JHU Zinda, Maryland

JHU Zinda is Johns Hopkins’s premier competitive co-ed Bollywood Fusion dance team that aims to share a positive outlet for culture and expression through dance. We combine and perform elements of both South Asian and American dance styles, both on and off campus. Through shared love of dance, Zinda brings together a group of passionate individuals who have created a home within a team.

Maryland Dhoom, Maryland

Maryland Dhoom is the premier, co-ed, South-Asian fusion dance team at UMCP! They strive to show their love for South Asian culture and their University of Maryland pride by competing around the country against fusion teams from various colleges. They share and spread their passion for South Asian dance and show their appreciation for culture everywhere they go!

MIT Mirchi, Massachusetts

Mirchi is MIT’s competitive Bollywood-fusion dance team. Formed in 2012, Mirchi’s collective spirit embodies a love for all forms of dance, representative of a Western influence on South Asian culture. Over the years, they’ve been honored to represent MIT and greater Boston at competitions and showcases across the country. Mirchi brings the spice and everything nice – they live to set the stage on fire.

Nova Nassa, Pennsylvania

Nova Nassa is Villanova University's first and only competitive fusion dance team. Bringing together countless dance styles such as Bollywood, hip hop, Indian classical, contemporary, and South Indian, they create performances that are incredible to watch and impossible to forget!

Queen City Ishaare, North Carolina

Queen City Ishaare is UNC Charlotte’s premier Bollywood fusion dance team, blending South Asian dance styles with Western influences to create unforgettable performances. They are a diverse group of passionate students from all class years who come together to embrace their culture through dance!

TAMU Maaya, Texas

Tamu Maaya is Texas A&M University’s Premiere Co-Ed Competitive Bollywood Fusion Dance Team. Maaya was created to foster an environment for passionate young students to showcase their art surrounded by people with similar core values and interests. Maaya's slogan is: Harmony in Motion: Where Tradition Meets Rhythm.

UC Dhadak, Ohio

Since 2008, Dhadak has brought the world of Bollywood Fusion to UC Students of ALL Backgrounds. Dhadak's #1 Priority is Inclusivity. They are a CO-ED Team composed of around 30 Members who Create, Compete, and Perform. Dhadak is all about connecting on stage to create something meaningful.

UMass Dhadak, Massachusetts

UMass Dhadak is a premier fusion dance team that aims to promote cultural diversity through different dance styles in their local Amherst community as well as across the country. UMass Dhadak performs a variety of dance styles such as Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Bharatantyam, Kathak, Maas, Raas, and more!

The South Asian Showdown is produced by Boston Bhangra and South Asian Nation, local nonprofit organizations dedicated to promoting cultural awareness.

The South Asian Showdown is supported by the Barr Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture and Mannat TV.

The South Asian Showdown will take place February 28, 2026, at the Strand Theatre (543 Columbia Rd, Boston, MA). Tickets are available now at https://www.southasianshowdown.com/2026/.

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