Iconic Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition 2019 draws thousands to Fed Square
Australia’s most loved Bollywood event, the 7th Annual Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition (TBDC), part of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), drew thousands to Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square on Saturday, 10 August with returning judge Bollywood superstar Malaika Arora, joined by Bollywood celebrities to judge all the Bollywood dancing action from 32 dance groups.
The Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition immediately followed the Indian Independence Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony, with Karan Johar, who is one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed film director, producer, screenwriter hoisting the flag in front of thousands.
Winning acts Folk Lovers Academy, Bollydance Epping Group, Dance Masala and Jollity Bollywood bowled over the celebrity judges with their seamless dance performances, on stage charisma, and crowd engagement and each won a $1,000 prize courtesy of Telstra.
Timothy Evans, Retail Sales and Service Executive, Telstra said, “Telstra is incredibly honoured and proud to partner with Indian Film Festival of Melbourne to present the Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition 2019 for the seventh year.” We love to connect the South Asian diaspora with the celebrities they love for this iconic and much-anticipated Bollywood event, said Evans.
“As Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition fans presented the next generation of talent and dance moves, Telstra is proud to be building Australia’s first 5G – the next generation in mobile technology. 5G combines with 4G technology to provide customers the best possible speeds and coverage wherever they are. Our 5G is built upon the firm foundation of our superfast and extensive 4GX coverage which is why Telstra has Australia’s largest, fastest and reliable mobile network.”
For more information about Telstra 5G, visit https://www.telstra.com.au/5g
This year, TBDC fans voted by SMS for their favourite acts. Over 17,000 SMS votes were cast by fans and the winners on the day were:
- Group – Pre-teens (Ages 1-12) – Folk Lovers Academy
- Group – Teens (Ages 13-19) – Bollydance Epping Group
- Group – Adult (Ages 20+) – Dance Masala
- Telstra’s People Choice Award – Jollity Bollywood
The Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition features dance performers wearing vibrant colours and traditional South Asian and Bollywood inspired costumes, captivating the audience. Competitors were judged on choreography, technique, costumes, music and props.
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