Follow her journey on Instagram: @aalia_dance
At just 17 years old, Aalia Deora is doing something many her age shy away from – bringing centuries-old folk traditions to the frontlines of todayâs stage.
Aaliaâs journey with dance began when she was only four years old, and by the age of five, she had found what she now calls her “forever form” – Indian folk. âIt all started when I saw my teacher, Miss Vaishali, perform Ghoomar. I was five, but I still remember that moment vividly. I was just… moved. I knew I wanted to do that too,â she shares. Since then, sheâs trained at Kalanjay Dance Academy, developing deep roots in forms like Tera Tali, Chirmi, and Kalbeliya, even as dance trends around her moved towards viral moves and Instagram reels.
âIn a world where everythingâs trending and changing so fast, I always felt that folk had a kind of permanence. Every beat, every movement has purpose.â says Aalia.
This depth of connection and respect for culture is what sets Aalia apart. For her, it is not about learning or performing folk dance; instead, she’s carrying it forward, in her own way, for a new generation.
In 2022, Aalia had the opportunity to represent India at the Hello Schoten Folk Dance Festival in Belgium, one of the most prestigious international folk dance events in the world. At just 14, she was the youngest in the 24-member delegation performing before a global audience of over 3,000 people. âWhen I step on stage,I feel inspired to represent 3,000 years of culture,â she says. âYouâre not just representing yourself. Youâre representing where you come from, your country, your culture, your tradition. That changes everything.â
But the road hasnât been easy. Folk dance is still misunderstood by many, especially among younger audiences. Aalia recalls an incident at a MUN event where she performed Ghoomar and was laughed at by peers and even teachers. âThey thought it was outdated. Or funny. But that didnât stop me. I knew why I was doing it. That canât be shaken just because someone else doesnât get it.â
Instead of stepping back, Aalia leaned in. She began fusing traditional styles with modern soundtracks, uploading performances on Instagram that mixed Bollywood and folk, culture and creativity. Today, her page (@aalia_dance) has over 1,000 followers and continues to grow, with every post showcasing her versatility, artistry, and heart.
Aalia has earned an Indian Folk Dance Diploma and has been training in Kathak for over four years. She’s won multiple interschool competitions, worked as a junior choreographer for Indiaâs first student-led musical, and even performed before the reigning Miss Globe.
But beyond the accolades, her vision stands out: Aalia is now working on conducting folk dance workshops at government schools and NGOs – teaching young students how to connect with their heritage, one step at a time. âFolk dance isnât just for the stage,â she says. âItâs a language. It tells our stories, our history. And every child should have access to that.â
Her journey is still unfolding, but one thing is clear – Aalia Deora isnât just dancing for applause. Sheâs dancing for something far bigger: identity, expression, and cultural pride.
âDance gives me a voice. But folk dance gives me a purpose.â
 âI donât want to be the best dancer in the room. I want to be the one who makes everyone else feel something.”
 âTradition isnât outdated. Itâs timeless. We just need to make space for it.â
You can follow her journey on Instagram at @aalia_dance.
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