SUPPORT OUR FUNDRAISING, SO WE COULD FACILITATE MORE PERFORMING OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUNGSTERS.
We are very proud to present following American Natya Idol winner on December 5th, 2026 at Saint Louis
Roshni Muthuswamy - Advanced 2nd Solo - Dallas
Sufi Thomas - Senior Adult 3rd Solo - Kansas City
Lalithambika Jayadev - Intermediate 1st Solo - St Louis
Anoushka Rajesh - Junior Special Mention - Dallas
Aksara Vivekanandan - Junior Special Mention - Dallas
Sanjitha Janani Girish - Advanced Special Mention - Austin
Divyashri Thanigachalam - Junior 2nd Solo - Austin
Fundrising for Natya Idol
Namasthe to all American Natya Idol participants, families, teachers, and well-wishers,
As we celebrate this festive season, we reach out with a heartfelt request—to help us continue creating opportunities for talented young Indian classical dancers across America.
More Than a Competition
In 2026, American Natya Idol reached 18 cities across the United States. Registration funds helped us meet the expenses of conducting these events, while we saved what we could to create additional opportunities for our young dancers.
But our dream goes beyond competitions and winners.
We want to build a sustainable national network where talented and hardworking dancers can find opportunities to perform, grow, and be recognized.
Sometimes, one stage, one challenge, or one opportunity can inspire a child for a lifetime.
We Need Your Support
Soorya Performing Arts is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, driven by our passion for preserving and promoting Indian classical performing arts. We figured out, we need atleast $122,000 to conduct mini shows in 18 cities with atleast 5 artists performing atleast 30 minutes in each venue.
On December 5, 2026, we are hosting Rising Together – The Natya Idol Benefit Night in St. Louis, featuring eight invited American Natya Idol winners.
Funds raised will support performing arts initiatives and help us create more opportunities for young dancers.
This Giving Tuesday – Make Your Gift Go Further
Many employers offer corporate matching for charitable donations. If your company participates, your contribution to Soorya Performing Arts may be eligible to be matched—potentially doubling your impact.
$50 could become $100.
$100 could become $200.
$250 could become $500.
Please consider donating any amount and checking whether your employer offers a matching-gift program.
No contribution is too small. Every contribution can create an opportunity.
Together, we can nurture talent, preserve our traditions, and build a stronger future for Indian classical dance in America.
Appreciate your support to American Natya Idol and its YOuth Series. Below are the details of our organization.
Legal Name: Soorya Performing Arts
- EIN / Tax ID: 20-0491702
- Tax-Exempt Status: 501(c)(3) Public Charity (eligible for tax-deductible donations) [1, 2]
- Location: 268 Arbor Crest Dr, Ballwin, MO 63021
- Official Website: Soorya Performing Arts
You donate through Mailing a Check, Zelle to 314-359-9741 or company matching or Paypal
Soorya Performing Arts welcomes all dance lovers to
18th American Natya Festival
on May 28, 29, 30 2027
at Lindbergh Performing Arts Center, 5000 Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63126
American Natya Idol's 2027th Regional Competitions and Rising Star
Feb 27th - Tampa Hindu Temple
March 7th 2027 - Atlanta - Buford Community Center
March 27th 2027 - Austin, Sai Mandir
March 28th, 2027 - Sri Krishna Vrindavana
April 3, 2027 - Cincinnati OH
April 25th 2027 - New Jersey
(Other venues will be announced soon)
FINAL OF NATYA IDOL
May 28, 29, 30 - 2027 - 18th American Natya Festival
AMERICAN NATYA IDOL PRESENTS - BENGALURU INTERNATIONAL CLASSICAL DANCE FESTIVAL - DEC 24, 26, 27 - 2026
American Natya Festival 2026
National Classical Indian Dance Festival
Join us for a vibrant celebration of Indian dance traditions featuring Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, dance dramas, folk dances, and innovative choreographic works presented by acclaimed artists from across the United States.
The festival will also showcase the finalists of American Natya Idol 2026, our national classical Indian dance competition recognizing exceptional young talent.
Friday, June 12, 2026
Festival Opening Performances 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
- Welcome Dances by Soorya Performing Arts
- Kuchipudi by Meera Rathnagiri (Wilmington, DE)
- Kathak Performances by Sheela Mehta (New Jersey / Mumbai)
- Thematic Bharatanatyam by the Students of Vinita Subramanyam (Austin, TX)
- Andhra Natyam by Upasana School of Dance (O'Fallon, MO)
Saturday, June 13, 2026
7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
American Natya Idol 2026 Competition
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- ZERO – Historical Dance Drama by Prasanna Kasthuri (Ballwin, MO)
- Finding Joy – Creative Dance Drama by Surabhi Bharadwaj (San Francisco, CA)
- Kalyana Srinivasam – Mythological Dance Drama by Pallavi Madabhushi (Charlotte, NC)
Honoring a Legacy of Artistic Excellence
A special ceremony recognizing individuals whose lifelong commitment to dance, teaching, and cultural preservation continues to inspire future generations.
Lifetime Achievement Honoree
- Guru Shivagami Vanka (Portland, OR)
Distinguished Service Honorees
- Guru Pallavi Madabhushi (Charlotte, NC)
- Guru Surabhi Bharadwaj (San Francisco, CA)
- Soujanya Madhusudhan (Atlanta, GA)
Sunday, June 14, 2026
7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
American Natya Idol 2026 Competition
2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Ghungroo – Experimental Dance Production by Samanvita Kasthuri (New York, NY)
- Agni Kusuma – Intriguing Dance Drama by Soujanya Madhusudhan (Atlanta, GA)
- Navarasa Ramayana – Epic Dance Production by Sudha Raghuram (Montgomery, AL)
- Group Dances by the Students of Anil Karunakaran (Topeka, KS)
- Folk India – A Collaborative Celebration featuring multiple folk dance groups from St. Louis and surrounding regions - Thangaat group of dancers, Karnataka Kolata Group, Punjabi Bhangra and Assamees Bihu performances
Surabhi Bharadwaj's - "Finding Joy"
Congratulations to all regional winners of American Natya Idol. St. Louis welcomes you all to Nationals.
NATIONALS - AMERICAN NATYA IDOL – 2026
Hello Dancers and Dance Patrons
Welcome to the 2026 American Natya Idol Competition. We are excited to bring this amazing meeting point of incredible talent from across the USA. We are trying to highlight the dance talents of the graceful, hard-working, and dedicated little teen Youth and more experienced artists. We promise to bring judges from different cities, regions, and countries to your city. We promise to keep honesty and integrity in support of true talent, which will brighten minds and bring joy to our ancient art from the Indian subcontinent into the great plains, the mountains, and the coasts of the United States of America. We have allowed you to register in the city of your choice. In 2025 than 600 participants entered this fantastic competition.
Everyone must register through the FeatsClub app for regionals and Finals.
Please register before 7 days before each competition date with complete music.
You may keep the music used in the Regionals or send new music you choose before June 8th, 7 pm, 2026 CST.
We will not be accepting anyone into the Finals directly, everyone must pass the Phase-1 (regionals).
If you have any questions on registration, please get in touch with the Natya Idol Committee at 314-397-5278 (CST-10 AM- 4 PM) / 314-546-9473 (CST 4 PM -8 PM) / (314) 629-9754
There is no extra Registration fee for entering the National level. But everyone must purchase the festival ticket to enter the venue. This will be held in St. Louis on June 13th and 14th, 2025.
We are giving discounted sales of tickets and food until June 1st, 2025. This will increase to normal prices from June 2nd onwards.