History of Academy
Where It All Began
Nikkan Dance Academy began its journey in 2009 in West Bengal, India, inspired by a small group of students who shared a love for Indian classical dance. What started as a few enthusiastic learners gathering to dance gradually took the shape of a committed training space, nurturing passion, discipline, and creativity. By a few years, the academy had grown significantly and was officially registered under the Government of India, establishing itself as a recognised institution offering structured training in classical and contemporary Indian dance forms.
In 2020, amid the global Covid-19 pandemic, Nikkan found a new beginning in Edinburgh, Scotland. Starting with online classes during lockdown, the academy continued to uphold its mission of spreading the joy and depth of Indian dance—even in a time of global isolation.
Soon after, Nikkan Dance Academy was formally registered as a Scottish charity under OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator). Today, it stands as a cross-cultural platform connecting communities through dance, heritage, and expression—rooted in tradition, yet ever-evolving with the times.
Projects
At Nikkan Dance Academy, our journey is not just defined by classes, but by the diverse range of creative works that have brought our art to life across communities and cultures. Each project reflects our commitment to excellence in performance, cultural education, and community engagement.
Oct 12, 2023 12:00 am
Rhythm Of the Silence- Creative Scotland Supported
On the topic of “Dance Without Music” to explore dance as a complete visual art (2023)
Jun 24, 2023 12:00 am
Equality - The Unprecedented Cult
Musical on Rabindra Nath Tagore Dancedrama "Chandalika” to keep the piece language barrier free (2023)
Jun 24, 2024 10:00 am
Sakala Bana
| A collaborative production integrating “Indian classical dance with traditional musical instruments” to explore the harmony of rhythm and movement (2024) |
Workshops
Workshops have been a vital part of Nikkan Dance Academy’s journey—spreading the joy of Indian dance beyond regular classes and into diverse communities. These sessions have served as spaces for exploration, connection, and cultural exchange. Over the years, we have conducted a variety of workshops for all age groups—covering classical dance forms, semi-classical, Bollywood, and creative freestyle.
Whether held in schools, cultural festivals, online platforms, or local halls, our workshops are designed to be engaging, educational, and inclusive. Each workshop is not just a learning experience, but also a celebration of rhythm, expression, and shared joy—welcoming newcomers and inspiring deeper appreciation for Indian dance traditions.
May 12, 2024 12:00 am
Summer Workshop
Yearly summer workshop for young generation in Edinburgh to promote and spread South Asian Arts & Culture
May 15, 2020 12:00 am
Make Up Workshop
Make up workshop in Edinburgh in 2020 & 2021, to demonstrate how to make over app design & implementation
May 12, 2024 12:00 am
Bharatanatyam Workshop
Bharatanatyam workshop, International Yoga Day celebration (Krakow, Poland)
Jun 04, 2025 9:00 am
Bollywood Workshop
Bollywood workshop in Spring Festival by ONFIFE, FIFE Council, Scotland
Apr 14, 2024 12:00 am
Easter Workshop
Yearly easter workshop for young generation in Edinburgh to promote and spread South Asian Arts & Culture
Events
Over the years, Nikkan has marked its journey through a wide range of vibrant and meaningful events hosted by Nikkan itself or by other organisations. Each event we organise is more than a performance—it's a platform to honour tradition, express creativity, and bring people together through the universal language of dance.
These events have given our students valuable opportunities to perform, build confidence, and connect with diverse audiences. Whether onstage at our own Carnival, local festivals, online during global lockdowns, or in collaboration with cultural partners, every gathering has contributed to our growth and visibility.
Jun 15, 2023 9:00 am
TARANA 2023
“Annual carnival” of Nikkan Dance Academy
Jun 12, 2023 12:00 pm
Rhythm Of the SIlence - Creative Scotland Supported
On the topic of “Dance Without Music” to explore dance as a complete visual art
Sep 14, 2024 2:00 pm
TARANA 2024
“Annual carnival” of Nikkan Dance Academy
