Terence Lewis in Kathmandu

BY A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, June 7: Renowned Indian choreographer Terence Lewis has arrived in Kathmandu to serve as the Celebrity Grand Jury member at the grand finale of the globally recognised dance competition World of Dance Nepal. Lewis is set to attend the competition's finale on Saturday evening.

Speaking to journalists at the airport, Terence said that visiting Nepal was a moment of great pride for him. He recalled that J.D. Tamu was one of his academy’s finest students and the batch topper, and expressed confidence that the grand finale would be a memorable experience.

Sharing his experiences of working with many Nepali dancers in India, he praised their talent and dedication. He said that he is always amazed to see Nepali performers achieve world-class standards of dance, often through self-learning and determination.

Terence Lewis, a Mumbai-based choreographer who played a major role in popularising contemporary dance in India, is one of Bollywood’s most successful choreographers. He is known for his acclaimed choreography in films such as Lagaan and Jhankaar Beats. He is also widely recognised as a judge on major reality television shows, including Dance India Dance and India's Best Dancer. Over the years, he has trained thousands of dancers and made significant contributions to the dance industry.

Originally launched in 2008 in Southern California, USA, and now active in more than 50 countries, World of Dance aims to provide a global platform for talented dancers. Bringing the competition to Nepal is intended to showcase Nepali talent on the international stage.

Alongside Terence Lewis, the judging panel for today’s grand finale includes Kiran Thapa from the legendary Nepali dance crew Wild Ripperz Crew and Artistic Director J.D. Tamu.

Outstanding contestants selected through auditions held in five cities—Nepalgunj, Butwal, Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Itahari—will compete in the grand finale. The competition is divided into four categories.

Winners in each division will receive a cash prize of NPR 100,000 and a trophy plated with 24-carat gold. The biggest attraction of the competition is the opportunity for winners to represent Nepal internationally on the World of Dance stage.

According to the organisers, the competition is a major milestone for Nepali dancers, providing both a platform for celebration and a source of inspiration for the next generation of emerging dance talent.