Creative Agent
Balbir Singh’s extraordinary career began when he decided to put his Law degree on hold to pursue a Contemporary Dance Foundation course at the Northern School in Leeds.
Realising he had found his calling, Balbir auditioned for a place on the degree course, subsequently graduated and went on to train in South Asian dance with Guruji Pratap Pawar, one of the foremost Kathak choreographers and teachers in the world. Balbir was, “In the right place at the right time” when in 1997 he set up his own company, ‘Diversity Dance’.
The fledgling venture built contacts through education workshops and today Balbir manages a staff of 11 and tours the world with his professional Performing Arts and Education Company in hopes of, “...celebrating and promoting diversity, inspiring creativity and cohesion.”
Having a strong educational background, ‘Diversity Dance’ relished the opportunity to collaborate with Creative Partnerships BDR, a relationship that has now been established for three years and Balbir works as a Creative Agent on several core schools.
The company apply Indian Dance and movement to different projects within the schools and Balbir said, “The most challenging aspect is taking everyone supportively outside of their comfort zones, making them receptive and open to new experiences.”
“It is very rewarding when this comes together though. Also, seeing the response and the change in the children combined with the positive feedback from staff and parents is extremely encouraging.”
Balbir thinks he may take up Law again one day, but for now, he’s happy teaching South Yorkshire’s young people the beauty of movement!
Image: Diversity Dance
