Bringing South Asian Music and Dance to Students Across the Region

Spring 2026

We’re thrilled to announce that the Live & Inspired Schools Tour is coming this spring, bringing the rich traditions of South Asian music and dance directly into classrooms across the region. Art Asia has curated an exceptional experience featuring three internationally acclaimed artists who will inspire and engage students through vibrant performances and hands-on workshops. The tour will visit 10 schools from 2nd – 6th March 2026.

Meet the Artists

This spring tour showcases three extraordinary performers, each bringing over 20 years of professional experience in the creative arts industry:

Dr. Pooja Angra – Indian Classical Vocalist
Dr. Angra’s mastery of Indian classical vocal traditions brings the ancient art of raga singing to life, captivating audiences with her expressive performances and deep understanding of this sophisticated musical form.

Rakhi Sood – Bollywood and Kathak Dancer
Combining the grace of classical Kathak with the energy of Bollywood dance, Rakhi Sood creates performances that bridge traditional and contemporary Indian dance forms, making them accessible and exciting for young audiences.

Mitel Purohit – Tabla Drummer
As a virtuoso tabla player, Mitel Purohit demonstrates the complex rhythmic patterns (taals) that form the backbone of Indian classical music, showcasing the percussive artistry that has captivated audiences worldwide.

A Proven Track Record

This talented trio has performed on numerous occasions at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals in the UK, including Southampton Mela, London Mela, Glasgow Mela, Turner Sims in Southampton, Wiltshire Music Centre, and the Indian High Commission in London. Their collective expertise extends beyond performance—they bring years of experience delivering engaging workshops and encouraging students to participate actively in concerts and performances.

An Immersive Cultural Experience

The Live & Inspired tour is designed to impart knowledge and understanding of music and dance heritage through an immersive, multi-sensory experience. Students will witness the seamless blend of ragas (musical scales), taals (rhythm patterns), and mudras (hand movements), all culminating in an energetic jugalbandi—a call-and-response dialogue between instruments and voice that exemplifies the collaborative spirit of Indian classical music.

What Makes These Performances Special

The concerts are far from passive experiences. Each performance includes:

• Live demonstrations of ragas, taals, and mudras in action
• Interactive elements that invite student participation
• Q&A sessions where students can ask questions and learn directly from the artists
• Energetic collaborative pieces that showcase the synergy between voice, percussion, and dance

This interactive approach deepens students’ appreciation for South Asian classical traditions while making the art forms accessible and relevant to young audiences.

Workshops Tailored to Schools

The tour offers comprehensive workshops that can be customised to meet each school’s specific needs. All workshops are designed to be accessible and engaging for students of all backgrounds and skill levels.

Bollywood Dance Workshops

Suitable for: All ages and year groups
Group size: Any number
Skill levels: Beginners to advanced

These high-energy sessions introduce students to the vibrant world of Bollywood dance, combining traditional Indian movements with contemporary choreography. Students learn basic steps, expressions, and the storytelling elements that make Bollywood dance so captivating.

Tabla Drumming Workshops

Suitable for: Year 3 onwards
Group size: Up to 30 students
Skill levels: Beginners to advanced

Students explore the fascinating world of tabla—learning basic stroke techniques, understanding rhythm patterns (taals), and discovering how this ancient percussion instrument forms the rhythmic foundation of Indian classical music. These workshops develop students’ sense of rhythm, coordination, and musical appreciation.

Indian Classical Singing Workshops

Suitable for: Year 4 onwards
Group size: Up to 30 students
Skill levels: Beginners to advanced

These sessions introduce students to the fundamentals of Indian classical vocal music, including breathing techniques, basic ragas, and the unique vocal ornamentations that characterize this art form. Students gain an understanding of how melody and rhythm work together in Indian music.

Beyond the Classroom

The Live & Inspired tour doesn’t end when the workshops conclude. Art Asia offers exciting follow-up opportunities that allow students to continue their cultural journey:

Residency Programs

Extended engagements that allow for deeper exploration of Indian music and dance traditions, giving students time to develop their skills and understanding.

Performance Opportunities at Southampton Mela Festival

Selected students may have the chance to showcase what they’ve learned at one of the UK’s premier celebrations of South Asian culture, performing alongside professional artists in front of a large public audience.

These opportunities provide students with real-world performance experience and the confidence that comes from sharing their newly acquired skills with the wider community.

Why This Tour Matters

In an increasingly interconnected world, exposing students to diverse cultural traditions is more important than ever. The Live & Inspired Schools Tour offers students the opportunity to:

• Experience world-class artistry from internationally recognised performers
• Develop cultural awareness and appreciation for Indian heritage
• Engage with living traditions that have been passed down through generations
• Participate actively in hands-on learning experiences
• Build confidence through performance opportunities
• Connect music, movement, and storytelling in meaningful ways

The Response Has Been Incredible

We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm from schools across the region, and appreciative that educators recognise the value of bringing authentic cultural experiences into their schools, and students are eager to engage with these vibrant art forms.

The combination of world-class performances, interactive workshops, and opportunities for continued engagement makes the Live & Inspired tour a comprehensive cultural education programme that extends far beyond a single visit.

Stay Connected for Future Opportunities

While this spring’s tour schedule is now full. If you’re interested in bringing this transformative cultural experience to your school, please get in touch.

Contact Art Asia to join our mailing list and be the first to know about upcoming tours, workshops, and performance opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a one-time performance, an extended residency, or ongoing cultural programming, we’d love to discuss how we can work together to inspire the next generation of music and dance enthusiasts.