Get your best dance moves at the ready for a party at the World Stage!
Move to the rhythm of the world with global beats, vibrant dance, and cultural fusion come alive in the heart of Botanic Gardens. As the centrepiece of Mela Day, this electrifying stage brings together international artists and local talent for a spectacular celebration of music and movement.
What's On
Jiggy
Jiggy blend Irish traditional music with world rhythms and contemporary dance grooves, creating a sound that’s both ancient and modern. More a collective than a conventional band, they went viral with their video Silent Place, amassing over 35 million views and winning fans worldwide. Their debut album TRANSLATE topped world music charts globally, and they’ve since become festival favourites, known for their infectious energy and global celebration of music and dance.
Winnie Ama
Winnie Ama is a Belfast-born singer, songwriter and known for her distinctive blend of disco, electronic, and soul influences. With a background in poetry and jazz, her music combines thoughtful storytelling with infectious music. She has been a finalist in the NI Music Prize and is set to perform at SXSW Texas 2025 to promote her debut album.
Bhangra Smash Up
Bhangra Smash Up formed in 2017 and since then have performed all over the UK, including some of the biggest festivals and events across the region. This is not a regular drumming band; they can guarantee that – once the Bhangra Smash Up take the stage with their electrifying Dhol beats, fusing with the Dholak and mainstream music, you cannot help but to dance!
Clada
Hailing from Co. Galway in the west of Ireland, Clada is a five piece Irish folk band which brings together an even blend of all things associated with the genre as well as incorporating styles and rhythms more commonly rooted in contemporary genres such as pop, jazz and funk.
Belfast Dabke
Experience the vibrant energy of Palestinian Dabke - a traditional dance of unity, resilience & celebration! Join Mustafa Alsaidi and the dancers from Belfast Dabke for a memorable performance. Expect lively music, synchronised steps & rhythmic stomping, accompanied by traditional instruments like the oud & darbuka.
Dance United
Dance United are a new collective of diverse dancers living in Northern Ireland. They return to Mela with a performances blending the rich cultural influences of Bollywood/bangra K-pop, and Arabian music, all infused with dynamic hip-hop elements.
South Asian Dance Academy
The South Asian Dance Academy (SADA) provide amazing Bollywood & classical performances and workshops throughout the island of Ireland. SADA also works to encourage engagement and participation in traditional and contemporary South Asian dance. The academy works with a diverse group of freelance dancers with varying skills, discipline areas, genres of focus and levels of experience
Chinese Dance NI
Local members of the Chinese community present traditional Chinese fan dancing, which is a centuries old dance style from China. The group is led by dancer Weihong who performs all over Northern Ireland
Mexican Dance NI
Local members of the Mexican community present traditional folk dancing. The group is led by dancer Mayte Segura who performs all over Northern Ireland