For young dancers with stars in their eyes and rhythm in their bones, this could be the year everything changes. After bringing Geeta Kapur in 2023 and Dharmesh Yelande in 2024, Shaurya Entertainment is back with Australia’s Great Dancers—Season 3, and the star mentor this time is none other than Shakti Mohan.
Yes, the Shakti Mohan—the Mumbai-based choreographer known for her gravity-defying grace and infectious energy—is heading to Australian shores this April, ready to scout fresh talent. And she’s not coming empty-handed. Mohan has announced that the winners of this season’s competition will receive scholarships to her dance institute, Nritya Shakti, in Mumbai.
The two-day dance showdown will take place in Melbourne on 26 April and in Brisbane on 27 April. Dancers across age groups—from sub-juniors to adults—are lining up to perform in solo, duo, and group categories, with one eye on the trophy and the other on Mumbai.
At the heart of this project are two passionate community members—Samika and Deepak Bhandari. Through Shaurya Entertainment, they’ve been quietly building what’s become one of the most authentic dance stages in the country for South Asians. But they’re not stopping at trophies and medals. Their aim? To create a tangible pathway from suburban studios in Australia to the movie sets of Bollywood.
“It’s never been just about the stage,” said Samika Bhandari. “We want to show young dancers—and their families—that the dream is real. And now, with Shakti Mohan offering direct scholarships, it’s a dream that’s reachable.”
Shakti, who founded Nritya Shakti after winning Dance India Dance Season 2, isn’t new to spotting talent. Her dance school in Mumbai has trained some of India’s most exciting emerging artists. Having her on board for a local event in Australia is a big deal, especially when there’s the chance to be fast-tracked straight into her mentorship.
The announcement has already sent ripples through Australia’s dance community. With limited spots and open registrations, studios are now doubling practice hours and polishing routines.
“Every year, we’ve seen a leap in performance standards,” said Deepak Bhandari. “But this time, the energy is off the charts. Having a Bollywood name attached to the scholarship changes the game. Everyone’s taking this very seriously.”
There’s also a quiet pride among parents and teachers who’ve watched the event grow from a hopeful idea into a credible showcase. For many, it’s the cultural bridge they’ve long wanted for their children—one that doesn’t require giving up their identity or their love for dance.
For those hoping to witness the magic live, tickets to both events are expected to sell out quickly. Friends, families, and fans will gather in large numbers, waving flags, holding posters, and cheering dancers who might, just might, be dancing their way to India.
Mohan’s involvement has added a layer of authenticity that’s hard to ignore. Unlike many fly-in-fly-out celebrity gigs, her commitment extends beyond photo ops. By offering a tangible scholarship, she’s ensuring that her time here has impact. For dancers who get selected, it means more than bragging rights—it means getting a chance to train at one of Mumbai’s best studios, with real prospects of breaking into India’s entertainment scene.
So whether you’re an aspiring performer or a spectator who loves the energy of a live show, mark your calendars. Melbourne and Brisbane are about to witness dance at its most electric. And somewhere in that crowd, Shakti Mohan will be watching—looking for the next big star.
Registrations are open now. The stage is set. All that’s left is the spotlight.
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