PIONEERING South-Asian Arts organisation Samarpan announce their debut ‘Double Bill’ Event, platforming incredible young talent from Cardiff – and continuing to define the pathway for South-Asian Classical Dance in Wales.
In partnership with the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama on Saturday, May 16, 2026, Samarpan present ‘Double Bill’ – an immersive and enriching evening of South-Asian dance, music and culture.
Lovingly curated with performance at its heart, the programme is structured to showcase both emerging and established talent from South Wales. The first half features a performance from the Samarpan Ensemble – a group of exceptionally talented performers, including dancers across different age groups and abilities. The ensemble will perform different repertoire pieces from their training, reflecting the ongoing work Samarpan are doing in nurturing emerging dancers.
The second half of the evening features a special collaborative performance from two young Welsh Bharatanatyam dancers, Nithya Menon and Ann Sunny – both of whom are well established and continue to refine their artistry and craft under the umbrella of Samarpan.
Accompanied by a live orchestra, the pair offer a dynamic live music and dance experience, blending tradition with artistic expression in a way that is both engaging and memorable for the audience. Having both completed their prestigious Arrangetram, the pair have marked a significant milestone in their own artistic journeys, solidifying their pathway to become professional soloist dancers.
Beyond the performance-led programme, Samarpan’s ‘Double Bill’ will also connect audiences with different aspects of Indian Arts & Culture throughout the evening – with a selection of stalls and opportunities to browse a variety of Indian jewellery, shawls, home decor and other unique handcrafted items. Samarpan are also proud to partner with Little Kochi, an authentic South Indian restaurant and community-led space in 2026. All ‘Double Bill’ ticket buyers will receive a 20% discount on meals at Little Kochi, offering the full South Asian cultural experience.
As the organisation continues to expand, the ‘Double Bill’ is in keeping with Samarpan’s ongoing mission and values, offering personal development and opportunities to showcase unique talent. The event also represents another huge leap forward in terms of programming – giving audiences across Wales access to exceptional South Asian music and dance.
Standard tickets start from £12, with Concessions at £8 and various discounted offers for Family & Large Group tickets.
Visit Samarpan’s website for more information and to book tickets.
Samarpan thanks its funders, partners and supporters, Arts Council Wales, RWCMD, Little Kochi, Durga Puja Wales, IHC Wales, IWAW, Enticing Colours, Creations Event Management, Sustainable Finds and Saanvee Pearls UK, for their contributions to the ‘Double Bill’ event.
Following the resounding success of their inaugural UTSAV in 2025, September will see Samarpan partner with the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama once again for UTSAV 2026. Expect a riot of colour and sound when their vibrant, cultural celebration of South Asian Classical Dance returns to Cardiff on Sunday, September 13.
This spectacular festival celebrates the depth, beauty and diversity of classical Indian Dance forms, platforming both emerging talent and some of the most revered practitioners from the UK and beyond.
Derived from the Sanskrit word for “celebration”, UTSAV was created by Samarpan in response to a lack of consistent, high-quality classical Indian arts programming in the region. With South Wales – and particularly Cardiff – having one of the UK’s oldest South Asian communities, Samarpan aspire to not only preserve the essence of Indian classical arts but to also bring their universal resonance to contemporary audiences. UTSAV is more than just a performance showcase; it’s a gathering of cultures, traditions and a space where revered dancers can share their expertise and emerging dancers are inspired to pursue their own artistic journeys.
Samarpan Ty Vidya is underway for 2026 with classes in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, as well as tutoring in the revered Carnatic Vocal tradition.
Bharatanatyam classes continue to be held every Saturday in Cardiff and provide a traditional, in-person experience for all skill levels, where you can perfect your technique under expert guidance.
New for 2026, Samarpan are proud to present Kathak classes as part of their education pillar. These classes will be taught by the wonderful Kinga Malec, a senior student of the renowned Guru Nirupama Rajendra ji. Kinga is an accomplished dancer who has performed extensively across the globe alongside senior artists.
Music classes are available online at the moment, focusing on Carnatic Vocal training with Acharya Chaitrra Sairam – the senior most disciple of the legendary Kalanidhi Smt Bombay Jayashree Ramnath. A full learning pathway is currently being developed, beginning with support for OEBL examinations and a dedicated showcase performance planned for later in the year.
As audiences continue to grow, so will Samarpan’s offer – with plans already in the making for an expanded music programme.
With ongoing performances, showcases, classes, workshops, outreach programmes and shared learning experiences, Samarpan once again prove their commitment to honour the past, enrich the present, and inspire the future through the transformative power of Indian Classical Arts.
Visit Samarpan’s website for more information and to book tickets.
