How Samarpan is Shaping South Asian Dance in Cardiff

In a modest corner of Cardiff in 2017, two visionaries laid the foundations for Samarpan, which would go on to become one of Wales’ most dynamic cultural institutions.

Dr Leena Menon, a full-time GP with a lifelong passion for Bharatanatyam, and Dr Santosh Nair, a dancer and academic with a PhD in Indian classical dance, came together with a shared mission: to create a space where Indian classical arts could thrive, inspire, and evolve.

Their creation was Samarpan, which means “dedication” in Sanskrit, and a fitting name for an organisation built on discipline, passion and purpose.

From the outset, the company’s aim has been simple yet ambitious: to honour India’s classical traditions while making them accessible to people across Wales and beyond.

South Wales, home to one of the UK’s oldest South Asian communities, provides a rich cultural backdrop for this mission.

Samarpan has since become a beacon for cultural education, artistic excellence and meaningful community engagement.

And now, in its most exciting chapter yet, Samarpan is preparing to host UTSAV 2025, a landmark festival that is a joyful celebration of Indian classical dance.

In an exclusive interview with DESIblitz, Dr Leena Menon and Dr Santosh Nair reflect on their journey, challenges and aspirations as they continue to shape the future of South Asian dance in the UK.

From Medicine and Academia to Movement and Melody

Before founding Samarpan, both Leena and Santosh had already forged distinguished careers – one in medicine, the other in academia.

But Indian classical dance was never far from their hearts.

Leena explained: “I have been a full-time General Practitioner (GP) here in Wales for many years.

“Alongside my medical career, I’ve always had a deep passion for Bharatanatyam.

“Dance has always been my grounding force, a space where discipline, emotion, and spirituality converge.”

Santosh added: “I’m a student of dance and continue my learning under my guru, Guru Smt. Priyadarshini Govind.

“I hold a PhD in Dance from Liverpool Hope University, where my research focused on Indian classical dance in diasporic and intercultural contexts.”

For Santosh, the gap was clear: “My artistic and academic experiences made me acutely aware of the need for a space that not only preserves but actively lives and evolves Indian classical arts in the UK.”

Together, their paths converged into a shared vision:

“Our individual paths, one rooted in tradition and medicine, the other in academia and teaching and management, inspired the birth of Samarpan as a place where dance and music is both a daily discipline and a cultural offering.”

Growing a Vision Beyond the Classroom

Samarpan’s original aim was clear: to offer authentic training in Bharatanatyam to learners in Wales. But as interest grew, so did the organisation’s ambitions.

Leena and Santosh said: “Over the years, the vision has naturally grown.

“From being a Bharatanatyam school, Samarpan has evolved into a holistic Indian performing arts organisation, now encompassing Carnatic music, cultural education, outreach, and performance platforms.”

It wasn’t just about technical instruction. It was about community.

“We’ve moved from the classroom to the community, and onto international stages, always holding our classical roots close while expanding our branches with purpose.”

This expansion has allowed Samarpan to connect with more people across Cardiff and beyond, creating space for both learning and cultural dialogue.

A Classical Mission in a Contemporary World

One of Samarpan’s most distinctive features is its ability to stay rooted in tradition while engaging modern audiences. But this hasn’t come without obstacles.

Among the key challenges were, “Building visibility for Indian classical dance as a serious and refined art form, rather than just a cultural performance for festivals” as well as “Educating audiences and funders on the depth and relevance of Bharatanatyam in today’s world.”

Another was the practical reality of sustaining an arts organisation while managing professional careers. Yet the vision endured.

Both founders said: “Despite these challenges, what kept us going was our conviction, and the overwhelming support of our students, families, and the wider arts community.”

Their approach to relevance is thoughtful, never diluting the form:

“We remain rooted in the traditional Gurukulam style of training.”

“At the same time, we make these forms relevant by contextualising performances with themes that speak to today’s audiences, such as identity, womanhood, or environmental consciousness.”

For Samarpan, innovation lies not in modifying the art itself, but in rethinking how it’s shared:

“We believe relevance comes not from changing the art form, but from changing the way we present, teach, and share it.”

Building Cultural Bridges Through Outreach

A turning point in Samarpan’s journey came when students began asking deeper questions about the music they danced to.

This led to the introduction of Carnatic vocal training under the guidance of Acharya Smt. Chaittra Sairam.

Leena and Santosh explained: “The expansion came as a natural progression.

“To provide a holistic experience, we introduced Carnatic vocal music… which deepened their understanding and performance.”

The founders also recognised a growing need within the South Asian community, as the pair elaborated:

“Many young South Asians in Wales were disconnected from their cultural roots, yet eager to reconnect.”

This inspired Samarpan to go beyond the studio.

“This led to workshops in schools, community storytelling sessions, and performances in public spaces, gradually evolving Samarpan into a cultural hub that goes beyond performance into education and engagement.”

Strengthening Community Through Collaboration

Samarpan’s commitment to community engagement is more than just a mission statement; it’s embedded in everything they do.

Leena and Santosh said: “We actively collaborate with museums, schools, initiatives by the Welsh Government and local community groups.

“We offer multilingual, intergenerational programmes to include people across different age groups and regions.”

Importantly, their events invite participation, not just observation.

“We host events where people are not just spectators, but participants and co-creators.”

In doing so, Samarpan is helping bridge generational and regional gaps within Cardiff’s diverse South Asian diaspora, using classical arts as the thread that binds.

UTSAV

Perhaps the most exciting chapter in Samarpan’s story is UTSAV, a day-long celebration of South Asian classical dance and music set to take place on September 7, 2025.

Leena and Santosh said: “UTSAV has been a dream for many years.

“A dedicated platform in Wales for Indian classical dance and music, curated with depth, intention, and joy.”

The festival will feature renowned performers such as Divya Ravi, Dr Swarup Menon, Payal Ramchandani, Elena Catalano, and Ashwini Kalsekar, showcasing Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Kathak respectively.

For Leena and Santosh, UTSAV is more than just a festival:

“It’s a statement that classical Indian arts belong here and have a powerful role to play in the cultural landscape of Wales.

“We curate with the intention to showcase the range of classical forms… maintain a balance between tradition and fresh interpretation… and prioritise artists who are committed to authentic pedagogy and thoughtful presentation.”

Looking to the Future

As Samarpan looks ahead, Leena and Santosh shared their ambitions:

“Our goals include establishing Samarpan as a centre of excellence for Indian performing arts in Wales.”

Plans include growing UTSAV into an annual event, developing digital platforms for international learners, and supporting emerging South Asian artists through training and mentorship.

But their foundation remains unchanged:

“We believe the next five years will be a time of deepening our roots and widening our reach, always staying true to the heart of what Samarpan was meant to be, a place of devotion, learning, and shared joy.”

In a city shaped by generations of cultural exchange, Samarpan represents a rare and meaningful commitment to artistic heritage.

What began as a modest dance school in Cardiff has become a vibrant cultural institution, one that teaches, uplifts, and connects.

Through rigorous training, heartfelt performances, and dynamic outreach, Samarpan continues to honour the past while inspiring future generations of artists and audiences alike.

And with UTSAV 2025 on the horizon, the organisation is poised to make an even greater impact, not just in South Wales, but across the UK and beyond.

With every performance and every partnership, Samarpan reaffirms that Indian classical arts have a rightful, radiant place on the world stage.

As Leena and Santosh put it: “UTSAV isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration. It’s a celebration of culture, of tradition, and of the universal joy that dance and music can bring.”