Community exhibition devising session, Oriental Museum, Durham University: Charlotte Spink and Hilary Stout
Balbir Singh’s career is a quiet revolution, a masterclass in navigating the tension between two worlds. With the elegance of Kathak and the urgency of contemporary dance, he forges a new vocabulary for expression, one that effortlessly fuses the ancient with the modern, the traditional with the radical.
Singh’s work is an anomaly: no fanfare, no grandstanding, just the patient, purposeful blending of movement and meaning. His art isn’t about taking the spotlight; it’s about creating spaces where connection and transformation happen gently but powerfully, using dance to bridge divides, heal wounds and bring people together in ways that few other dance artists have.
It took courage to foreground the duality of Western contemporary and Kathak dance, blending an ancient art form with modern expression in the north of England, a region where such an intersection was neither obvious nor widely accepted. Balbir’s work is not about seeking the spotlight but about quietly driving change in his community and beyond, using the universal language of dance to bring people together.
Born in India and arriving in the UK as a baby, Balbir was raised in Bradford, a city steeped in industrial rhythms and cultural convergence. As the eldest child in a dual-heritage household, he played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between his parents, who spoke little English, and the world around them. This early cross-cultural experience resulted in a strong sense of purpose that would shape Balbir’s later artistic vision.
Although access to dance was limited in Bradford, the spark of creativity never left him. Rather than follow a conventional dance training path, Balbir began studying law. But his determination and curiosity eventually led him to contemporary dance at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds.
Balbir merged his passion for the world of contemporary movement with the traditions of north Indian Kathak, developing a new vocabulary to express the duality he felt in his identity.
Reflections of an Indian Dancer rehearsal: Sooraj Subramaniam
Powerful catalyst for social inclusion
After graduating at the Northern School, a chance meeting with the dancer who would later become his guru, Padmashri Pratap Pawar, sparked an interest in classical Indian dance – a subject that until that point had been a closed book to Balbir.
Pawar, India’s “divine dancer”, opened up a new world for Balbir and he began to merge his passion for western contemporary dance with the rich traditions and narrative language of Kathak.
As he did so, Balbir found he was creating a new vocabulary, one that could be expressed in neither tradition on its own. In a sense this expressed the duality he felt in his identity.
Balbir’s work is a testament to the belief that art can serve as both a means of personal expression and a tool for social change. In 1995, he founded Balbir Singh Dance Company, creating a platform to bring Kathak and contemporary together.
His art is not merely for entertainment; it is an invitation for connection and a powerful catalyst for social inclusion. Balbir’s focus on marginalised communities and his steadfast commitment to collaboration has made his work resonate across generations.
Balbir’s dedication to his craft and his community has been consistently recognised.
In 2012, he was one of the first British Indian dance artists to be named a National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England, a rare distinction that cemented his place in the UK’s contemporary dance scene. The recognition also highlighted his ability to bridge regional, national and international boundaries through his work.
Over the years, his projects have become more than just performances: they have been spaces of dialogue, transformation and healing. He has also supported many hundreds of dance artists to follow their own ambitions.
Unmasking Pain, Durham University
Balbir Singh’s story is a testament to quiet perseverance. In a world that often celebrates loud voices, Balbir’s approach demonstrates that one person’s dedication can make a profound difference.
Meaningful, relevant and rooted in community
Through initiatives like Unmasking Pain, Balbir has shown how dance can contribute to health solutions.
Partnering with health professionals, artists from different disciplines and academics, the project explores alternative therapies for chronic pain, showcasing how art can be a means of healing. His work with the Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Survivors group and with dementia patients in South Shields demonstrates how dance can address real-world challenges, enhancing recovery and helping communities cope with sensitive issues like cognitive impairment and health inequality.
Balbir’s work is not confined to the UK. His international reach has stretched to Canada and the US, Sweden, Spain and India, where his projects have connected artists and communities, brought about cross-cultural exchanges and changed perceptions.
One standout project is Nayak, a digital initiative that teaches classical Indian dance to dancers from all dance disciplines across the globe.
Despite the global reach of his work, Balbir has never strayed from his core belief in community-driven initiatives. Whether collaborating with the Indian Consul General in Birmingham for the 10th International Yoga Day or using art and sport to raise awareness about climate change in Cricket Green, Balbir’s commitment to positive, impactful dance has never wavered. His diverse repertoire is a rich tapestry of storytelling, blending western and Indian dance forms with a lyricism and power that speaks to audiences far and wide.
Balbir Singh’s story is a testament to quiet perseverance, not only in his artistic journey but in his determination to create work that is meaningful, relevant and rooted in community. In a world that often celebrates loud voices, Balbir’s approach demonstrates that one person’s dedication can make a profound difference.
From his humble beginnings in Bradford to his international collaborations, Balbir’s legacy is one of quiet but powerful impact, making a difference where it truly matters.
Champion of the Flatlands, Coventry Cathedral, Festival of Imagineers: Keelan Phillips, Abirami Eswar and Jesse Bannister
