Unleash your creative spark
The Desi Youth Festival is your stage to shine. Five categories. One epic platform to transform raw talent into professional opportunity.
Spark
Showcase your talent
Five epic categories for South Asian youth to shine
Talent
Unleash your creative potential
Transform raw skills into professional opportunities
Opportunity
Connect with industry professionals
Build networks that launch careers
Prize
Massive rewards for exceptional performers
Win cash prizes and industry recognition
Desi Youth Festival by the numbers
$10,000
Cash prize
5
Performance categories
100
Industry connections
Compete
Five dynamic performance categories
Diverse opportunities for South Asian youth to showcase talent
Dance solo performance
Express individual creativity through movement
Group dance showcase
Demonstrate team synchronicity and energy
Singing and rap challenge
Showcase vocal skills and storytelling
Acting and comedy category
Bring characters and stories to life
Music
DJ and music composition challenge
Create beats that move audiences and showcase musical innovation
Desi Youth Festival by the numbers
What to Perform, Key Details, Prizes & Judging
Everything you need at a glance: what to perform and the styles we’re seeking, the timing and tech requirements to prepare, the prizes awaiting category winners, and the judging criteria our panel will use
1. DANCE SOLO
What We’re Looking For
- raditional South Asian dance forms (Classical, Folk, Bollywood)
- Contemporary and fusion styles
- Original choreography and creative interpretation
- Strong stage presence and emotional connection
Performance Details
- Duration: 2–3 minutes
- Music: Any language, instrumental or vocal
- Props: Simple props allowed (scarves, small instruments)
- Costume: Traditional, contemporary, or fusion attire
Winner Receives
- $10,000 Cash Prize
- Bollywood Opportunity – Chance to feature in music video/short film
- All-Expenses-Paid Trip – Airfare + accommodation
- Industry Networking – Connect with Bollywood professionals
Judging Criteria
- Technical skill and precision
- Creativity and originality
- Cultural authenticity and respect
- Stage presence and audience engagement
- Overall impact and memorable moments
2. DANCE GROUP
What We’re Looking For
- Synchronized group choreography
- Creative formations and transitions
- Mix of traditional and contemporary elements
- Strong team chemistry and coordination
Performance Details
- Team Size: 3–10 members
- Duration: 3–4 minutes
- Music: Multiple songs allowed for medleys
- Props: Coordinated props encouraged
- Costume: Matching or complementary outfits
Winner Receives
- $10,000 Cash Prize (shared among team)
- Bollywood Group Feature – Team opportunity in music video
- All-Expenses-Paid Trip – For entire team
- Choreographer Connections – Meet industry professionals
Judging Criteria
- Synchronization and teamwork
- Choreographic complexity and creativity
- Use of space and formations
- Individual skill within group context
- Overall visual impact and storytelling
3. sINGING & RAP
What We’re Looking For
- Classical South Asian vocals (Hindustani, Carnatic)
- Folk and regional songs
- Bollywood and contemporary covers
- Original compositions in any language
- Rap and spoken word performances
Performance Details
- Duration: 2–3 minutes
- Language: Any South Asian language or English
- Accompaniment: Live, backing track, or a cappella
- Instruments: Simple instruments allowed (harmonium, tabla, guitar)
Winner Receives
- $10,000 Cash Prize
- Recording Opportunity – Feature in Bollywood song/soundtrack
- All-Expenses-Paid Trip – To recording studio location
- Music Industry Access – Connect with composers and producers
Judging Criteria
- Vocal technique and control
- Emotional expression and delivery
- Song choice and interpretation
- Stage presence and connection with audience
- Originality and creativity
4. Acting & Comedy
What We’re Looking For
- Dramatic monologues from plays or films
- Original comedy sketches
- Stand-up comedy routines
- Character portrayals and impressions
- Social commentary through humor
Performance Details
- Duration: 2–3 minutes
- Language: English, South Asian languages, or bilingual
- Props: Minimal props and costumes allowed
- Format: Solo performance (no scene partners)
Winner Receives
- $10,000 Cash Prize
- Film/Video Opportunity – Role in Bollywood short film or music video
- All-Expenses-Paid Trip – To filming location
- Industry Connections – Meet directors and casting agents
Judging Criteria
- Acting technique and character development
- Comedic timing and delivery
- Originality of material
- Audience engagement and response
- Cultural relevance and authenticity
5. DJ/MUSIC COMPOSER
What We’re Looking For
- Original music compositions and remixes
- DJ sets showcasing mixing skills
- Fusion of traditional and modern elements
- Creative use of South Asian instruments and samples
- Live performance and crowd engagement
Performance Details
- Duration: 3–4 minutes
- Format: Live DJ set or original composition playback with live elements
- Equipment: Basic DJ setup provided (bring your own USBs/files)
- Style: Any electronic genre incorporating South Asian elements
Winner Receives
- $10,000 Cash Prize
- Music Production Opportunity – Create soundtrack for Bollywood project
- All-Expenses-Paid Trip – To recording/production facilities
- Industry Access – Connect with music directors and producers
Judging Criteria
- Technical skill and creativity
- Original composition and arrangement
- Cultural fusion and innovation
- Live performance ability
- Audience response and energy
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