Tollywood Dances/Medleys Guidelines – America Telugu Sambaralu 2025

July 4-6, 2025 | Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, Florida

The NATS Sambaralu Team cordially invites you to showcase your extraordinary talent at the 8th America Telugu Sambaralu! This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Telugu culture through vibrant and energetic Tollywood dance performances.

Selected performances will be scheduled during the event, and we look forward to an exciting lineup of talent.

General Guidelines

1. The primary intent of each performance should be to promote and celebrate Telugu culture through music and dance
2. Only Telugu film songs are allowed. Songs and dance moves that include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate content will not be permitted. The NATS Sambaralu Tollywood Cultural Committee has the right to reject entries, and all decisions are final.
3. Costumes must be appropriate for all age groups. Any outfit deemed inappropriate by the committee may result in disqualification.
4. No repetitive performances, each song/dance should be unique. Selection will be based on authenticity, uniqueness, and representation of Telugu culture.
5. Group performances only – solo acts are NOT allowed in any dance or music category.

Team & Performance Requirements

• ✔ Minimum Team Size: 10 participants
• ✔ Maximum Team Size: 20 participants
• ✔ Performance Duration: 4 to 6 minutes
• ✔ Minimum Age: 6 years and above
• ✔ One Category Rule: A participant cannot be in more than one Tollywood dance group to ensure variety.

Costume & Prop Guidelines

• ✔ Costumes should be appropriate, well-coordinated, and align with the cultural theme.
• ✔ Revealing or inappropriate costumes will not be allowed, and the committee reserves the right to deny performances based on outfit selection.

• ✔ Props are encouraged but must be safe and manageable.

• Spraying or throwing glitter, confetti, powder, or liquids on or off stage.
• Fire, sharp objects, weapons, or hazardous materials.
• Any items that could damage the stage or pose a safety hazard.

✔ Teams must clear all their props from the stage and backstage immediately after their performance.

Music Submission & Technical Requirements

File Format: MP3 or WAV ONLY (No CDs, YouTube links, or streaming platforms).

File Naming Convention: "Team Name - Tollywood Medley.mp3"

Music Submission Deadline: June 1st, 2025

Backup Requirement: Each team must bring a backup audio file on a USB drive or phone in case of any technical issues.

Music Instructions: Clearly specify when the music should start (e.g., "Play music when performers enter the stage").

Registration & Waivers

Registration Form is available in: https://sambaralu.org/tollywood-dances-Medleys.html

• ✔ Every participant must sign a waiver form before performing. (Waivers will be provided upon selection.)
• ✔ Participants without completed forms will not be allowed to perform.

Event-Day Guidelines & Expectations

• ✔ All performers and team leaders must sign in at the registration desk upon arrival.
• ✔ Performers must be backstage at least 30 minutes before their assigned performance time.
• ✔ Late arrivals will NOT be allowed to perform.

• Parents, siblings, and non-performers are NOT allowed backstage or in dressing rooms (unless prior approval is granted).
• No last-minute changes will be allowed after the final schedule is published.
• Performers must leave the backstage area after their performance to make space for other groups.

Stage Rehearsals:

• ✔ On-stage rehearsals require prior approval. If needed, contact the Tollywood Cultural Team in advance.
• ✔ After performing, teams must immediately remove all props and personal items from the stage and backstage area.

Selection Process & Performance Scheduling

If the number of registrations exceeds available slots, the NATS Sambaralu Tollywood Cultural Committee will review audition videos/audio submissions and finalize the list based on:

• ✔ Performance quality & originality
• ✔ Cultural representation & authenticity
• ✔ Overall stage presence & coordination
• ✔ The committee reserves the right to allocate additional time to select performances if necessary.
• ✔ The final performance schedule will be shared in advance and CANNOT be modified once finalized.

Additional Guidelines for a Smooth Experience

• ✔ Rehearsals backstage are NOT allowed. If you need a practice session, request stage time in advance.
• ✔ No participant can register for multiple performances within the Tollywood dance category. Each participant can only be part of ONE dance group in this category.
• ✔ NATS is NOT responsible for any unforeseen incidents that occur during the performances.

Important Deadlines & Contact Information

• Registration Form is available in: https://sambaralu.org/tollywood-dances-Medleys.html
• April 15th, 2025 – Last date to register
• June 1st, 2025 – Final date to submit MP3 files
• For any questions, please contact: tollywood@sambaralu.org
• For urgent inquiries, you may reach out to the designated cultural committee members (Contact details will be provided upon registration).

Lights, Music, Action – It’s Your Moment!

Let’s make NATS Sambaralu 2025 an unforgettable celebration filled with rhythm, color, and cultural pride! Whether you are dancing, singing, acting, or supporting, your presence brings this event to life. Together, let’s create history and make this festival truly extraordinary!

See you on stage, where passion meets tradition and memories last forever!