Mudra 2026 at NCPA Mumbai puts children at centre, features interschool classical dance contest

NCPA’s Mudra Dance Festival will turn its spotlight to early learning in 2026, presenting a citywide platform for children studying Indian classical dance in Mumbai. Staged annually around World Dance Day, this edition frames Mudra as a children’s classical dance festival and includes an interschool competition designed to encourage schools and families to support classical arts amid academic and digital pressures.

The festival’s thematic focus shifts after recent editions explored Aharya—the visual aspects of costume and presentation. “Over the years, Mudra has engaged with a range of thematic explorations, often focusing on aspects of presentation, interpretation, and evolving standards within dance,” said Dr.

Swapnokalpa Dasgupta, Head of the Dance Department at NCPA. “This year, however, there was a conscious shift towards looking at where this journey truly begins—at the stage of early learning.

The intention is not only to create a platform for young learners but also to open up a space for a more reciprocal process of engagement.” Performances by students from leading dance schools will showcase regional styles such as Manipuri and Kuchipudi, furthering NCPA’s stated commitment to nurturing young artists.

Dr. Dasgupta, an Odissi dancer and teacher, said introducing young dancers to these forms early is important because dance is a physical medium; at that age, the body is more receptive and adaptable, allowing stronger absorption of technique and the development of a foundational vocabulary.

“The structure of Mudra this year reflects this approach,” she added. “Alongside the competition, the presentation segment brings dance schools to a formal performance space, while also opening up conversations around how classical dance can be made more accessible and relevant to younger generations.

These discussions are an important part of understanding how tradition can be meaningfully carried forward.” The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), located at Nariman Point, Mumbai, is India’s premier cultural institution and South Asia’s first multi-venue, multi-genre arts centre.

Founded in 1969 by J.R.D. Tata and Dr. Jamshed Bhabha, the NCPA presents over 700 performances and cultural events each year.