The New Tampa Performing Arts Festival returns this weekend for its third year, bringing together 25 performing arts organizations to celebrate music, theater, and dance. Hosted at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC), the free three-day event opens Friday and promises an unforgettable mix of cultural expression, creativity, and community connection.
Spotlight on Rudram Dance Company
One of the highlights this year is the Rudram Dance Company, whose performers have been rehearsing for weeks to present seven unique shows. Director Tara Priyadarshini Bikkasani shared that audiences will experience both traditional Indian classical dances and vibrant folk performances.
Young dancers like Divya Vijeesh and Nayana Jayakumar, both 16, will showcase a duet performance of “Kalinga Nartanam,” portraying the mythological hero Krishna. Their goal is to share storytelling, connect audiences with Indian traditions, and highlight the cultural beauty within dance.
Diversity of Performances
The festival isn’t just about one art form—it’s a blend of ballet, opera, and jazz alongside theater and international traditions. Organizations such as Tampa City Ballet, St. Pete Opera, and the Wattaka Choir will share the stage. Bikkasani emphasized the importance of cultural exchange: “It’s not just about our Indian culture. We have ballet. We have theater. We have orchestra.”
This mix of genres fosters an inclusive environment, reflecting Tampa’s identity as a city where cultures merge and communities thrive through the arts.
Festival Schedule Highlights
- Friday, Sept. 12: Features Outcast Theatre, Cultural Arts Theater, Wattaka Choir, and Jansen Dance Project.
- Saturday, Sept. 13: A day packed with the Florida Orchestra Petting Zoo, Beauty and the Beast film screening, Tampa City Ballet’s Cinderella, and more.
- Sunday, Sept. 14: Comedy, jazz, opera, and Rudram Dance Company return for a moving Sunday performance.
Full details, including backstage tours and times, can be found on the official New Tampa Performing Arts Center website and through updates on Facebook and Instagram.
Why This Festival Matters
The New Tampa Performing Arts Festival is more than entertainment—it’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity, foster community spirit, and inspire new generations through the performing arts. By bringing together organizations from across Florida, it creates a cultural space where stories are shared, voices are amplified, and traditions are honored.
From classical dance to improv comedy, this year’s festival offers something for everyone. The only question is: which performance will move you the most?
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