“Dance has always been my grounding force"
South Asian arts organisation Samarpan is set to showcase emerging talent in Cardiff through an evening of classical dance and music.
Samarpan has announced its debut ‘Double Bill’ event in partnership with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on May 16, 2026.
The performance will take place in Cardiff, bringing together established training and emerging artists in Indian classical arts.
Based in Cardiff, Samarpan was founded in 2017 by Dr Leena Menon and Dr Santosh Nair.
It initially began as a dance school before evolving into a wider cultural hub. The organisation now integrates both music and dance, with a focus on preserving and promoting Indian classical heritage.
On why they started Samarpan, Leena told DESIblitz:
“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.”
The first half of the ‘Double Bill’ programme will feature the Samarpan Ensemble.
The group brings together dancers across different age groups and abilities who train under the organisation. The performance is designed to reflect both technical training and artistic development within the school.
The second half will showcase a collaborative performance by two young Welsh Bharatanatyam dancers, Nithya Menon and Ann Sunny.
Both continue to refine their craft under Samarpan and have recently completed their Arrangetram, a major milestone in South Asian classical dance.
They are now progressing towards professional solo careers.
Their performance will be accompanied by a live orchestra, blending traditional structure with personal artistic expression.
The event also aims to connect audiences with Indian culture more broadly, with stalls offering jewellery, shawls, home decor and handcrafted items throughout the evening.
Samarpan has also partnered with Little Kochi. Ticket holders for ‘Double Bill’ will receive a 20% discount on meals at the South Indian restaurant and community-led space.
Alongside the event, Samarpan has launched its Ty Vidya programme for 2026. The initiative includes classes in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Carnatic vocal training.
Bharatanatyam classes continue every Saturday in Cardiff, offering in-person training for all skill levels. The programme is designed to maintain traditional practice while supporting accessible learning.
The organisation is also introducing new Kathak classes led by Kinga Malec. She is a senior student of Guru Nirupama Rajendra ji and has performed internationally, bringing additional expertise to the expanding programme.
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