Renowned choreographer and television personality Terence Lewis arrived in Nepal as the Celebrity Grand Judge of World of Dance Nepal 2026 Grand Finale
Nepal’s dance community witnessed an exciting moment as internationally acclaimed Indian choreographer and television personality Terence Lewis arrived in Kathmandu to serve as the Celebrity Grand Judge for the grand finale of World of Dance Nepal 2026.
The highly anticipated finale took place on June 6 at The Plaza, Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, bringing together some of Nepal’s most talented dancers for a chance to earn international recognition and represent the country at the prestigious World of Dance Finals in the United States.
World of Dance is one of the world’s most respected dance platforms, founded in Southern California in 2008 and now active in more than 50 countries. The competition has gained global recognition for providing dancers with opportunities to showcase their talent on an international stage. The Nepal edition, now in its second season, aims to connect Nepali performers with the global dance community and create new opportunities for emerging artists.
The arrival of Terence Lewis added significant prestige to the event. Widely recognized as one of India’s most influential choreographers, Lewis has built an impressive international reputation through his work in dance, television, stage productions, and Bollywood films. He is best known as a judge on popular reality shows such as Dance India Dance, India’s Best Dancer, and Nach Baliye, where he has mentored and inspired thousands of aspiring performers.
Joining Lewis on the judging panel were renowned Nepali dance personalities JD Tamu, Artistic Director of World of Dance Nepal, and Kiran Thapa of Wild Ripperz Crew. Together, the panel evaluated participants based on technique, creativity, stage presence, musicality, and overall performance quality.
According to National Director Roshan Gahatraj, World of Dance Nepal was introduced with a vision of creating a world-class dance platform within Nepal while promoting local talent internationally. He emphasized that the competition is not only about winning titles but also about opening doors for dancers to access global opportunities and professional growth.
The journey to the grand finale began with auditions conducted across multiple cities, including Nepalgunj, Butwal, Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Itahari. Hundreds of dancers participated in various categories, demonstrating the growing popularity of competitive dance culture in Nepal.
One of the unique aspects of World of Dance Nepal is its commitment to balancing international dance standards with local cultural identity. Organizers have consistently encouraged participants to incorporate elements of Nepali culture, music, and storytelling into their performances, helping introduce Nepal’s artistic heritage to global audiences.
The grand finale represented more than a competition. It became a celebration of creativity, dedication, and artistic expression. Dancers from different regions of Nepal shared one stage, showcasing diverse styles ranging from hip-hop, contemporary, and freestyle to culturally inspired performances.
For the finalists, the stakes were especially high. Winners of World of Dance Nepal 2026 earn the opportunity to represent Nepal at the World of Dance Finals in the United States, where they will compete alongside some of the world’s best dancers. The global event attracts participants from more than 60 countries and is regarded as one of the most prestigious dance championships internationally.
Terence Lewis’s presence was widely viewed as an inspiration for aspiring Nepali dancers. His journey from a dance student to one of India’s most respected choreographers serves as a powerful example for young artists seeking to build careers in the performing arts.
As World of Dance Nepal continues to grow, the platform is helping establish Nepal as an emerging destination for international dance culture while giving talented performers the opportunity to dream bigger and reach audiences far beyond national borders.
