In 2023, an Indian classical dance group named Nritya was established at the University of Bristol to teach Kathak and create a team of dancers who could perform at Hindu cultural events. Over 100 students joined our movement, and the small dance group quickly began operating as an independent entity, soon gaining the momentum to organize an annual dance show.
Taking a leap of faith, we hosted our first “Nritya Baithak” — a Kathak dance performance held at the Bristol Hindu Temple. The ticketed event welcomed an audience of 110 attendees and was met with great enthusiasm.
Following the success of Nritya Baithak, many dancers from other classical dance styles expressed interest in being represented as well. Around the same time, we also discovered a vibrant community of Indian classical musicians and singers. Inspired by the warm and appreciative reception of our initiative, we decided to formally establish the Indian Classical Performing Arts Society (ICPAS) in October 2025.
Today, ICPAS is an inclusive community of Indian classical singers, musicians, and dancers, united by a shared passion for preserving and promoting the timeless traditions of Indian classical art forms.
Students from all cultural backgrounds are welcome to join our society. When we say “Indian Classical,” we refer not to ethnicity or origin, but to a genre of dance and music that embodies centuries of artistry, rhythm, and expression.
We are a student society established to represent and advance the knowledge of Indian Classical Dance and Music in UK.
Our membership is open only for students of University of Bristol at the moment. However, all our ticketed events can be attended by non-university members as audience by purchasing tickets from our website.
For our annual flagship show, we collaborate with many external organizations from wider Bristol Community, Thus, participation in our flagship event performance team which takes place in the Bristol Hindu Temple is open to all.
Moreover, the non-university stakeholders can attend our external dance class workshops. Please follow our instagram page and join our whatsapp group for regular updates on all events.
We are a team of highly self-motivated, hard-working individuals who are passionate about advancing Indian Classical dance and music in its pure form.
Talented sitar and harmonium musician.
Leads social media design for posts.
We offer regular weekly Kathak and Bharatanatyam dance classes, along with Indian Classical music jam sessions once every two weeks.
Our members perform at prestigious University of Bristol events as well as external cultural programs. Since October 2025, we’ve already delivered nine performances and hosted a successful Indian Classical Music concert – Raaga.
We also organize plenty of socials for those who simply enjoy being part of the audience — from trips and laser tag to movie screenings and games days.
There’s truly a place for everyone in our society — whether you love to play an instrument, sing, dance, make friends, or simply appreciate Indian classical dance and music.
We are a community of individuals proud of our traditional and cultural heritage, yet we embrace a balanced approach that harmonizes the classical and the contemporary.
So get involved in our activities and make some new friends!
We teach Kathak and Bharatnatyam to performers of all levels during term time. We have trained and professional teachers who are qualified and licensed to take Kathak and Bharatnatyam classes. As a member of our society you will be able to attend these classes for free. Please do buy your membership today!
Practice Hindustani and Carnatic singing.
Join us in our fun events! All our events are alcohol free and serve vegetarian food only.
We organize fun socials such as trips to nearby towns, laser tag, cricket, bowling, karaoke, movie screenings and games day.
Explore the beauty of Indian classical dance!
Immerse yourself in Indian classical music!
Celebrate the richness of Indian culture!
15 performances, 1 independent concert and a cultural day celebration.
I thoroughly enjoyed acting in the Ramayana musical. ICPAS is such a friendly community.
