The spirit of Indian culture came alive on March 1, as the Performing Arts Center at Thomas Harrington Middle School hosted the annual Naach Mayuri Dance Competition.
With more than 200 participants and 750-plus enthusiastic spectators, the event was a display of cultural pride, talent and community spirit.
Organized by NICE Inc., a South Jersey-based nonprofit dedicated to serving immigrant communities, the dance competition has become a cornerstone event for Indian cultural celebration in the region.
Dr. Jatin Mehta, member of NICE and CEO of MetaSense Inc., a Minority Business Certified-company based in the township, is also part of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council and serves on the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee.
“I’m thrilled to say that the future of Naach Mayuri is brighter than ever,” said Mehta, a key organizer of the competition. “With decades of rich history and a unique platform that celebrates the beauty of Indian culture, I have no doubt that this event will continue to flourish.
“Our vision is to inspire and nurture the next generation of young Indian dancers, and I’m excited to see the incredible talent that will emerge in the years to come.”
The competition showcased a variety of Indian dance styles, including classical forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, vibrant folk performances such as Garba and Dandiya Raas, and Bollywood-inspired fusion and contemporary routines.
“The diversity of styles truly reflects the beauty and depth of Indian dance,” noted Sapana Shah Raval, one of the event’s judges and a master folk dance artist. “We had dancers as young as 4 years old showcasing incredible dedication and skill.”
Performers competed across five age categories: nano (ages 4 to 7), minor (8 to 11), junior (12 to 14), senior (15 to 18) and adult (18 and up). Judges evaluated performances on technical proficiency, musicality, originality, choreography, stage presence and visual appeal.
“For me, the most rewarding part of organizing Naach Mayuri is seeing the joy and pride on the faces of our young participants,” Mehta shared. “Our founder, KD Patel, and his wife, Yogini Patel, have poured their heart and soul into creating an event that celebrates our rich cultural heritage.”
Several prominent dance academies contributed to the competition, including Matrudance, Dance4Ever, Navrang Dance Academy, Natraj Dance Studio, Shaila’s Dance Academy, Dancing Stars, Shweta’s Dance Academy and Jhoom Dance Studio.
Beyond the performances, the Naach Mayuri event also played a role in preserving and celebrating Indian heritage.
“Indian dance competitions like this are essential in connecting generations,” Raval explained. “They allow young people to engage with their roots, preserving traditional dance forms while also encouraging creative expression.”
NICE Inc.’s broader mission extends beyond the dance floor. The organization provides support for immigrants, internships, small businesses and cultural events and is also recognized for its health initiatives, including free mammograms and pap tests for breast cancer detection. The organization founded the Voorhees Toastmasters Club and continues to lead impactful community projects.
“Naach Mayuri has come a long way since its humble beginnings,” Mehta reflected. “Our nonprofit was founded by KD Patel with a single vision: to make history in South Jersey. And that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
