Nritya Darpan 2024

Indian Heritage and Cultural Association of NJ (IHCA-NJ) is a volunteer based, taxed exempt 501 (C) (3) registered nonprofit organization, established in 2013 in New Jersey. The mission of the Indian Heritage & Cultural Association-NJ (IHCA-NJ) is to promote local talent in performing arts and to bring all communities together to discuss various social issues pertinent to our society through performing arts. IHCA-NJ is devoted to promoting and preserving South Asian culture and traditions through the performing arts.

At the Nritya Darpan dance festival, five-six multi-talented US-based dance companies over 20-25 highly trained dancers, will be performing dance dramas using traditional and modern techniques and choreographies. Our purpose is twofold, to promote young and promising dancers, and to encourage collaborations across dance forms, whether traditional or modern. The festival will provide the platform and curation will guide the collaboration. IHCA-NJ’s goal is to attract a dance-going audience in NJ (similar to that in NYC) through the presentation of outstanding dancers and dance companies that work as a team. We are particularly focused on choosing danceable themes that translate in movements highlighting environmental degradation, women’s empowerment and themes of social justice, whether that of racial discrimination or abuse experienced by LGBTQ+ communities.