Naatya Raaga Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the NR 2022 Dance and Music contest format and rules:

The contest will be conducted in tournament style with three rounds of judging - preliminary, semi-final and final rounds. The number of rounds and the number of prizes awarded will be based upon the number of entries. Typically, after the preliminary round of judging, the top “X” contestants will move up to the semi-final round. The top “Y” contestants will then move on from the semi-final round to the final round. 

The contest is for amateur artists only, and for Solo performances only 

Each contestant is required to submit 3 recorded performances meeting the following requirements:

Each performance must be original,  never before entered into any other contest or show. 

Recording may be done with or without live music

For the dance contest, props and costumes may be used as appropriate, showcasing the beauty, elegance and style of dance

For the music contest, accompaniments may be live or recorded. If using live accompaniments, then the accompanying artist must also be in the same age group as the singer.  

Dance Classification by type: Indian Classical, Semi-classical, and Folk dances

Music Classification by type: Indian Classical and Semi-classical  music

Classification by age:  Junior (ages 8-12), Senior (ages 13-17) and Adult (18+)

Duration of performance (not to exceed):

  • Classical (both music and dance contests) - 8 minutes
  • Semi-classical (both music and dance contests) - 6 minutes
  • Folk dances - 6 minutes

The information below is applicable to both music and dance contests

  • Read the Rules and FAQ thoroughly
  • Submit a completed, signed Application no later than June 15, 2022.
  • You may compete in more than one category.  Each category requires a registration fee of $25
  • Registration fees are non-refundable except if a category is canceled
  • Submit pre-recorded performances no later than June 30, 2022.  You must submit three separate pre-recorded performances in advance, one for each round of elimination. If you are contesting in more than one category, please plan accordingly. You will receive the details about how to submit the pre-recorded performances after you register.
  • Participate in the town hall meetings when announced, and get all your questions answered

There can be multiple scenarios as follows. Choose your option that best fits your situation: 

You can register whether affiliated with a school or not. 

If you are affiliated with a school, it is your responsibility to make sure you are not violating any agreements you have made with your school about contests.  If you are a minor contestant, your application must be signed by your parent/guardian

If you are the director of a dance/music school, you can register as many contestants as you want.  Each contestant must be registered with a separate application and registration fee.  You have the opportunity to showcase all the styles you teach.

If you are a director of a dance/music school, your students may register on their own. We are not responsible for any agreements you have made with your students about contests.

In order to avoid logistical issues and with due respect to the amount of time required for judging, each contestant must submit 3 separate, taped performances by the deadline of June 30, 2022.  Historically, Naatya Raaga used to take place over 2 days with 500+ contestants competing in groups. We expect a large number of contestants with our new format allowing Solo performances.

Yes. A registration fee of $25 will be required for each category. It is the contestant’s responsibility to submit the required number of taped performances for each category.

It is quite possible that a category may not have sufficient number of contestants, given the pandemic situation and/or other circumstances that may cause contestants to withdraw from the contest. Under such circumstances, OSAAT reserves the right to cancel a category or combine it with another category, based on the number and type of registrations. Historically, we have made logical decisions. For example, we will not combine folk and classical dance categories. All such decisions will be announced well in advance and all affected contestants will have the option to continue or withdraw.

The new format and rules are the result of a number of factors we looked at. We conducted the contests in February 2020, when no one was aware of CoVid19 to any extent except for “some virus is going around, keep washing hands”. Once a few hard facts became known, the pandemic made it impossible for us to focus on any kind of planning for 2021, since the vaccines were not available widely to every age group and the effects of the pandemic were still showing up in waves. We conducted a short survey in 2021 to determine the level of interest and understand what constraints the music and dance schools and artists and judges had. Based on the inputs we received, the new format and rules were designed.

The general guideline is that we want you to showcase the rich tradition and cultural heritage of Indian music. Bhajans, shlokas, film songs, abhangs, bhavgeet or patriotic songs are all acceptable. This applies to both dance and music.

As far as film songs are concerned, you may find beautiful compositions from great composers and songwriters. These songs reflect devotion, compassion, love, forgiveness and a variety of values we all uphold. Also keep in mind that hundreds of Meera bhajans, Kabir dohas, Purandara Dasa kritis have actually made their way into films. We recognize them for what they are, even though their rendition in a film may be different from a classical style that we are familiar with. Just avoid songs that are improper, indelicate, suggestive or risque.

The contest is open to “North America” only - USA, Canada and Mexico.

No. The music contest is for singers only. An instrumental artist can accompany a singer but only the singer will be considered as a contestant. OSAAT’s signature event “Vaadya Vaahini” is for instrumental music only. We conducted Vaadya Vaahini in April 2021 and expect to conduct it in the September 2022 time frame. Please sign up for our newsletter if you haven’t already, to stay up to date with our announcements.

No. We have already specified in the rules that for the music contest, accompaniments may be live or recorded. If using live accompaniments, then the accompanying artist must also be in the same age group as the singer.

There are multiple scenarios to consider here.  (1) We want everyone involved - - organizers, judges, contestants - to have flexibility in planning vacations and celebrations. We cannot tie down people for an unreasonable length of time waiting for multiple rounds of video submissions that may or may not happen on time (2) Given that the pandemic is still not 100% under control, we cannot predict what else is around the corner. What if a contestant makes it to the final round but cannot meet the submission requirement because of illness or other unforeseen circumstances? (3) Some contestants may rent a studio or stage or special light and sound equipment. Some may have accompanying artists available only on a certain date or time. Once you have a set up for recording a performance, you are set with the lights, sound, technical help for recording, etc., it makes sense to make all your videos at the same time. (4) We expect a large number of contestants to participate and we don’t want to have any miscommunication about who made it past the preliminary round, why and why not.

The choice is yours but submitting the same video for all three rounds is not recommended.  This is your opportunity to showcase your talent in terms of your creativity and artistry. How the judges may react to the same video in all three rounds is not up to us.

Absolutely.  It may not be convenient for everyone to record videos at home. We encourage you to choose any venue that suits you, including outdoors such as a park or your backyard.

Please do not submit any recording from your arangetram or ranga pravesha. Do not submit any recording from any of your previous shows or contests. Videos that have never been published or used in any show or contest are acceptable, as long as the rules that apply to contestant’s age and duration of performance are met. EXample: A 14 year old contestant in a senior category cannot submit a video that was recorded when he/she was 12 years old.  

Yes. Alaap, kalpana swaras, mano dharma, and other “style” elements that are authentic and original to Indian classical music (Carnatic or Hindustani) can be included in your rendition.  Be as creative as you can be. A word of wisdom from some of our previous judges is -  a simple rendition delivered perfectly is better than a complex piece delivered with imperfections. 

Yes. Accompaniments can make or break a performance. For that reason, the judges will only take into consideration the singer’s performance.

Registration: (applicable to both music and dance contests)

Last date to register is June 15, 2022  

Submit a duly filled out, signed application with a registration fee of $25

A contestant may compete in more than one category.  Each category requires a separate registration fee of $25

Registration fees are non-refundable except if a category is canceled

Steps to follow:

Read the Dance Rules, Music Rules and FAQ thoroughly

Submit a completed, signed Application by June 15, 2022. 

Submit taped performances no later than June 30, 2022.  You must submit three separate taped performances in advance, one for each round of elimination. If you are contesting in more than one category, please plan accordingly.

Participate in the town hall meetings when announced, and get all your questions answered

Contest Logistics:

The taped submissions received will be grouped into appropriate categories and submitted to the judges in the preliminary round. After the winners in the preliminary round have been chosen, the preliminary round grouping with all the entries and the results of the preliminary round will be made available on YouTube.  

Judges get the taped submissions for the semi-final round from the winners of the preliminary round. After the winners in the semi-final round have been chosen, their taped performances and the results of the semi-final round will be made available on YouTube.  

Judges get the taped submissions for the final round from the winners of the semi-final round. After the winners in the final round have been chosen, their taped performances and the results of the final round will be made available on YouTube. 

A virtual prize distribution ceremony will be held, date TBD. Special performances highlighted by judges will be showcased.

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