NCPA’s Mudra 2026 puts young classical dancers center stage, debuts interschool contest
Mumbai, April 30, 2026 — The National Centre for the Performing Arts closed its 2026 Mudra Dance Festival with a clear focus on the next generation, staging a Children’s Edition that put early-stage learning and student performers at the forefront and introducing its first Mudra Interschool Classical Dance Competition.
Held at the Experimental Theatre on April 16, 23 and 24, with the interschool contest on April 20 and 22, Mudra is presented around International Dance Day and is known for exploring culturally rich themes such as Aharya, Motherhood, Colours, Aparajita and Hasya with renowned dancers.
This year’s programming celebrated young practitioners, educators and dance institutions, offering students a formal stage to showcase discipline and training. Across three evenings, students from leading institutions reflected the rigour of classical pedagogy and the diversity of styles nurtured across the city.
A key highlight was the new competition, which drew participation from over 75 academic schools and 115 entries across Kathak, Bharatanatyam and an “Other” category in duet, trio and group formats. Organisers positioned the contest as a structured platform for schools to engage with classical dance beyond extracurricular status, encouraging institutions to regard the art forms with the same seriousness accorded to sports.
Among the winners: Delhi Public School, Nerul won first prizes in Bharatanatyam Group (Senior) and Kathak Duet (Senior), while Apeejay School, Nerul topped Kathak Group (Senior). Vidya Niketan, Dombivli took the Bharatanatyam Duet (Junior) first prize; B D Somani International School (Primary) led Kathak Group (Junior); and Carmel Convent, Badlapur headed Kathak Duet (Junior).
In Bharatanatyam Duet (Senior), Kohinoor International School, Kurla and The Somaiya School, Vidyavihar shared the first prize. Fr. Agnel Multipurpose School, Vashi won Kathak Trio (Junior + Senior), and Smt. Sulochanadevi Singhania School, Thane featured among top finishers across categories.
Other recognised schools included The Green Acres Academy, Chembur; Mother Mary's English High School & Junior College, Nallasopara; St. Francis School, Borivali; and Sadhu Vasvani International School, Sanpada.
By foregrounding students and schools, this year’s Mudra aimed to shine a light on the future stakeholders of India’s classical dance traditions—an emphasis the NCPA framed as both a celebration of youthful talent and a step toward integrating classical arts within academic environments.