The Bhawanipur Education Society College organised the Bhawanipur Dance Championship (BDC) 2026, the flagship event of the Flames Collective, on 15th July 2026. Based on the theme “Elysium,” the championship celebrated the joy, creativity, and spirit of dance. With a footfall of nearly 200 students, participants from various colleges competed in the Duo, Trio, and Group Dance categories, making the event a vibrant celebration of talent and artistic expression.

The event commenced with the Opening Ceremony at 9:00 a.m., where participants were welcomed into an auditorium filled with an enthusiastic audience. The ceremony began with a special performance by a member of the Enact Collective, followed by an address by the Rector and Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Dilip Shah, who encouraged participants to perform with confidence and highlighted the importance of platforms that nurture young artists. The sponsors were also acknowledged for their valuable support before the championship officially began.

The first event, Group Folk Dance – Lok Nritya Yatra, celebrated the richness of India’s traditional dance forms through themes of community, self-expression, and cultural heritage. Judged by Ms. Rina Jana and Ms. Urmimala Sengupta, BESC OTSE 1 secured the 1st position, while Akash Ghosh received the Special Mention for Best Dancer.

The Eastern Duo/Trio competition showcased Indian classical and semi-classical dance forms and was judged by Ms. Rina Jana and Ms. Brahmori Roy. The Bhawanipur Education Society College secured the 1st position, Jadavpur University finished 2nd, and BESC OTSE 1 claimed the 3rd position.

The Bollywood Duo/Trio, judged by Mr. Gaurav Bindra and Mr. Deborshi, featured six teams competing through energetic Bollywood performances. Sister Nivedita University secured the 1st position, followed by The Bhawanipur Education Society College and Muralidhar Girls’ College.

One of the day’s biggest attractions was the Street Battle, where 17 dancers competed in an exciting freestyle face-off judged through audience voting. Arijit Paul (BESC OTSE 4) emerged as the winner, while Nilesh Kumar Prasad of Delhi Technological University secured the 2nd position.

The championship concluded with Bollywood Group Dance – Metamorphosis, judged by Mr. Gaurav Bindra and Mr. Deborshi. St. Xavier’s College secured the 1st position, while Akshat Rungta was honoured with the Best Dancer Award.

At the closing ceremony, Sister Nivedita University was declared the Overall Runners-up, while The Bhawanipur Education Society College emerged as the Overall Champion of BDC 2026. The championship concluded on a high note, celebrating talent, creativity, and the unifying spirit of dance, truly reflecting the essence of its theme, “Elysium.”

REPORTER- Kshitisha Singh
PHOTOGRAPHERS- Sagar Dey, Dev Sinha, Naina Roy