Caribbean culture takes centre stage -- Trinis illuminate Disney’s Diwali Dance Fest

BAVINA SOOKDEO

As the lights of Disney’s Magic Kingdom shimmer this this weekend, they will be glowing not just with fireworks but with the rhythm and radiance of Divali – led, in part, by the vibrant artistry of Caribbean performers. The Diwali Dance Fest 2025, a three-day extravaganza at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, runs October 9-11 and it is bringing together hundreds from across the globe.

Among them are Trinidad and Tobago-born creators and dancers, including YouTuber and cultural ambassador Natasha Laggan and the Devyani School of Cultural Arts, whose troupe features dancers of Trinidadian, Guyanese and Jamaican descent.

For Laggan, this year’s Diwali Dance Fest holds deep personal meaning. “I’m honoured to have been invited to cover it,” she said. “And I’m especially thrilled about the inclusion of the Devyani Dancers. Seeing the Caribbean represented in such a major celebration fills me with pride and I hope even more of our cultural groups will be part of future events.”

Laggan will be capturing the event for her global audience, as Disney celebrates Diwali for the third consecutive year. She describes it as “a true privilege” to witness Caribbean artistry on such a prestigious stage: “Being chosen by Disney and Diwali Dance Fest to cover this event for the Caribbean diaspora is a true privilege. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing our culture shine on such a prominent stage” she told Newsday.

Following 2024’s success – the excitement for this year’s event is high. Last year, the Diwali Dance Fest captured international attention, with coverage from over 35 major news outlets across the USA and India. The celebration featured a beautiful welcome by Disney favourites Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, setting the stage for 17 dazzling performances by more than 300 artistes. Special live acts by BFUNK and Sa Dance Company thrilled audiences, while the event was hosted by Shoba Narayan, known for her role as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin on Broadway. Proceeds from the festival were donated to the Make Me Stronger Foundation.

A magical dream

For the members of the Devyani School of Cultural Arts, the feeling of performing at the event is surreal. Founded in 2009, the school based in Central Florida, promotes Indian culture and acceptance through the art of dance. “We are the only Indo-Caribbean dance studio that teaches and focuses on Bharatanatyam, Bollywood and folk dance here in Central Florida,” said the school’s founder and director, Priya Persaud. She shared that 2025 will mark the group’s second performance at Disney.

Questioned on how she and her dancers feel about being part of such a major international platform that’s now celebrating Divali, Persaud explained, “Visiting Disney, watching Disney movies is a part of all of our childhood memories. To be able to go to Disney and perform in the same theatre we’ve watched Disney shows or to parade down Main Street right in front of the iconic Disney Castle is a dream come true. All while sharing our culture and celebrating Divali…it truly is magical.”

This year, the Devyani troupe – made up of 20 Caribbean dancers – will perform a routine that fuses Bharatanatyam, Indian folk and chutney dance. “Our performance is a reflection of what our dance studio represents,” Persaud explained. “We have a deep respect for ancient classical dance forms, we celebrate the style of Indian folk songs, and we honour our West Indian culture by bringing in chutney music.”

Persaud believes that this fusion is more than artistic – it’s cultural affirmation. “When we first learned we were accepted to perform at Disney this year, I contemplated changing the style of our routine and not using any West Indian based music because the majority of the audience wouldn’t be familiar with it,” she admitted. “However, that thought did not sit right with me, we have the opportunity to blend our Indo-Caribbean culture with Disney’s platform…it's a way to say via dance that our unique heritage and traditions belong here too. It is empowering to see chutney come alive in front of audiences who may be experiencing them for the first time. We’re not just performing – we’re representing, educating, and inspiring.”

Staying connected to TT roots

Among the dancers are several young Trinidadians who feel honoured to represent their homeland.

For 16-year-old Priya Babwah, whose mother is from Chaguanas and father from San Juan, performing at Disney is an opportunity that makes her excited and grateful. “This opportunity was unexpected and dancing helps me learn about my culture and how to embrace it” she said.

Asked how she stays connected to her Trinidadian roots while living and performing abroad, Babwah explained that she does so by “practicing the traditions, listening to the music and eating and cooking the food.”

Twelve-year-old Shirina Bire whose family is from El Dorado added, “It’s an opportunity not everyone gets.” She said she is most excited to spread her culture in “a fun routine (which was) practiced” and “to show our talent to everyone.” Bire said said practicing the culture and visiting and staying in touch with family in TT keeps her connected to her roots.

And for 14-year-old Avani Siew whose family is from Carapichaima, the experience is truly special. She said, “Dancing at Disney makes me feel so special that Disney wants me to showcase my talent and share my culture with others in an artistic and creative way.”

For Persaud, Disney’s growing embrace of Divali represents a powerful shift toward inclusion. “This is a powerful display of cultural affirmation and appreciation,” she said. “Sharing our culture and celebrating Divali on such a large platform gives us the opportunity to educate the audience and visitors.” She further noted that for performers from the Caribbean and Indo-Caribbean backgrounds, this is a moment filled with pride. “Bringing that rich blend of heritage to a venue as iconic as Disney conveys the message: our stories are important, our art is significant, and our light has a place here as well.”

Persaud hopes that seeing Indo-Caribbean dance performed at such an iconic place will inspire a new generation to take pride in their heritage. “I also think it’s a great way for the younger generation to feel proud about their religion, background and culture. Them witnessing their culture on such a grand stage will teach them that their Indo-Caribbean culture matters, their roots are strong, and their traditions can be in the spotlight.”

Disney's Diwali Dance Fest

October 9 – Jashn-E-Magic Diwali Mela: Welcome party at Disney’s Contemporary Hotel, complete with mehndi art, a vibrant bazaar, Indian dinner and a live DJ.

October 10 – International Dance Showcase at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, featuring over 450 performers from around the world – and a special live set from comedian Zarna Garg.

October 11 – Grand Diwali Parade: For the first time ever, Disney’s Magic Kingdom will host a Diwali parade, lighting up Main Street with colour, music and movement.