The South Asian Showdown has officially revealed the ten teams that will compete in this year’s highly anticipated Bollywood Fusion dance competition. Recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious Bollywood Fusion events in North America, the competition draws some of the finest dance teams from across the United States and Canada.
Participants will perform intricate, professionally choreographed routines in vibrant costumes as they compete for the grand prize of $5,000. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Strand Theatre in Boston. Tickets are currently available at www.southasianshowdown.com.
“This year we had more than 50 teams apply from across North America,” said Rohit Bhambi, founder of the South Asian Showdown. “We have selected the top ten teams that will be joining us in Boston from as far away as L.A. and Vancouver to see who is the best. The audience will get to see some of the best Bollywood/Fusion that North America has to offer as each region brings their own style to the competition.”
Bollywood Fusion, a highly energetic dance style originating from India, blends various dance forms into a cohesive theme. Attendees can expect to witness an exciting mix of Bollywood, Hip-Hop, Bhangra, Classical, Contemporary, Tollywood, and more.
The 2025 Competitors
BU Chankaar (Boston, MA)
BU Chankaar, Boston University’s premier all-female fusion dance team, showcases an array of dance styles, including Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip-Hop, and Classical. Their performances aim to represent South Asian culture within the Boston community. The group is dedicated to maintaining its legacy by channeling creativity, energy, and passion into each performance.
MIT Mirchi (Boston, MA)
Founded in 2012, MIT Mirchi is the university’s competitive Bollywood-Fusion dance team. They embody a love for dance, blending South Asian and Western influences into dynamic performances. Mirchi has proudly represented MIT and the greater Boston area at competitions across the country. Known for their fiery stage presence, they strive to captivate audiences with every performance.
Desi Dhamaka (Tampa, FL)
Desi Dhamaka is a co-ed independent Bollywood Fusion team based in Tampa, Florida. Their performances are known for vibrant choreography and compelling storytelling. The team fosters a supportive and inspiring environment, encouraging its members to grow and flourish in their dance journey.
Miami UJhoom (Miami, FL)
Since its inception in 2013, Miami UJhoom has been setting stages ablaze with its energetic performances. The name “UJhoom” derives from the Hindi phrase “Jhoom Barabar Jhoom”, meaning to dance and celebrate without restrictions or fear. The team, consisting of dancers from diverse backgrounds, integrates multiple styles such as Bollywood, Bhangra, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, and Classical, creating a unique fusion experience.
NYU Dillagi (New York, NY)
NYU Dillagi, New York University’s only co-ed Bollywood Fusion dance team, is well-known for seamlessly merging Eastern and Western dance styles. The team takes pride in showcasing diverse backgrounds and storytelling abilities. They are excited to participate in this year’s competition, presenting a performance that reflects their unity, dedication, and passion for dance.
UBC Junoon (Vancouver, BC)
UBC Junoon, traveling from Vancouver, represents Canada as the only internationally competitive Bollywood dance team at the event. Driven by a deep passion for Bollywood Fusion, they promise an electrifying performance. Their choreography, infused with vibrant energy and powerful storytelling, is designed to captivate and leave a lasting impression on the audience.
UCI Zamana (Irvine, CA)
Zamana, the University of California, Irvine’s premier Bollywood Fusion competitive team, blends multiple dance forms such as Hip-Hop, Bhangra, Kuthu, Contemporary, and Classical into its Bollywood foundation. Founded in 2009, Zamana has been a consistent presence at prestigious dance events nationwide. The team has even been invited to audition for America’s Got Talent.
UConn Surya (Storrs, CT)
Established in 2004, UConn Surya is Connecticut’s leading competitive Bollywood Fusion dance team. Over the years, it has evolved into a nationally recognized team that integrates a variety of dance styles, including Bollywood, Classical, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, and Bhangra.
USC Zeher (Los Angeles, CA)
USC Zeher, a nationally acclaimed Bollywood Fusion dance team, represents Los Angeles with its award-winning performances. Their goal is to bring the essence of Bollywood Fusion to the collegiate stage through creativity and dedication. Known for their commitment to authenticity, Zeher aims to deliver performances that are both captivating and inspiring.
WashU Chaahat (St. Louis, MO)
WashU Chaahat is a student-run competitive dance team from Washington University in St. Louis. The team participates in various on- and off-campus events, including WashU’s renowned Diwali celebration. As part of an intercollegiate dance circuit, Chaahat competes at national-level events. Their performances feature an array of styles, including Bollywood, Kuthu, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Bharatanatyam, Raas, and Garba.
Cultural Impact and Support
The South Asian Showdown is organized by Boston Bhangra and South Asian Nation, two local nonprofit organizations dedicated to promoting cultural awareness. The event receives significant support from institutions such as the Barr Foundation, the Mass Cultural Council, the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, and Chardikla TV.
The 2025 South Asian Showdown is set to take place on March 1 at the Strand Theatre, located at 543 Columbia Rd, Boston, MA. Tickets are currently available for purchase.