A HOME FOR SOUTH ASIAN ARTS IN SCOTLAND
Bringing people together and building a vibrant, inclusive community
Video by - Sandy Butler
About
Theiyā Arts
Our Creative Vision
Theiyā Arts is a platform to experience, connect with, and participate in South Asian Arts in Scotland.
We bring South Asian art forms and artists into communities and spaces where they are unfamiliar or underrepresented, through performance, education, outreach, and artist support.
Theiyā Arts is built around collaboration, care, and a non-hierarchical leadership model.
Our regular programmes support diverse communities of all ages and abilities, while helping South Asian arts grow sustainably across Scotland.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to foster a vibrant, inclusive arts community that thrives on diversity and representation, providing access and exposure to historically underrepresented art forms and making South Asian Arts an integral part of the Scottish dance ecosystem.
SCHOOL
Explore the different forms of South Asian Arts with our comprehensive programme of online and in-person classes. Whether you're drawn to South Asian dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kandyan or Hindustani Classical music and Bollywood, we offer classes to suit all ages and abilities.
You can find us in Edinburgh and West Lothian or enjoy the flexibility of our online sessions from anywhere.
View all classes and locations
COLLECTIVE
COMMUNITY
Our artist-led collective, established in 2020, develops South Asian dance and interdisciplinary performance work that is culturally grounded and critically engaged. We create new choreographic work, collaborate with other artists and organisations, and bring South Asian Arts into wider Scottish cultural spaces.
Explore the work of the Dance Collective
We deliver outreach and participatory programmes in community settings, working with partners to widen access, reduce barriers, and meet people where they are. This strand centres inclusion, representation, and meaningful local relationships through sessions such as Dance, Yoga and Meditation, all held with an emphasis on accessibility and inclusive participation.
Find out more
CONNECT
Theiyā Connect is our strand for connection, support, and professional development, creating spaces for artists and communities to build long-term pathways for South Asian arts in Scotland. Our support programme for South Asian arts practitioners offers 1 to 1 mentoring, producing support for individual choreographers, administrative assistance for educators, and opportunities for performance and community engagement
Photo by - The Key Photography
Our Programme
Strands
- The Vertigo Project - Dance Film Screening & Book LaunchFri 24 AprScottish Storytelling Centre
Photo by - The Key Photography
![All set to perform at Dussehra, Calton Hill…. Come watch our Youth Dance group perform on 4th October.
Organised by @siafscotland
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[theiya arts, young dancers, dance training, dance performance, audience. Watch dance, celebration, Dussehra 2025, Edinburgh]](https://scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/553375697_1094687409484341_2192811124638338700_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=rEJnH74A_5MQ7kNvwHZUlWk&_nc_oc=Adn06yqff88CKQXtj6JxBu1tF03yC91VgW7WHzfNDOIAlgH3LnVSk-w_bE2rTVmu4oU&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=nn71fjRhMHNc_0LsXBnp4w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGXlfd17zV_7n9Tg_Qc6teWTWUBXwcKN71AeKTng2nmPXJCYgeKzCVJ3AKC6cdret0QZWAf92EU&oh=00_Afsq8se4FO1AOn9GR2eJrVHYyZ6RCmEMdFssKS5guI0zEw&oe=69A69346)
![Have you got your tickets yet? 🎟️
Catch performances from all three levels of our Kathak Adult program, along with our Kathak Children’s batches, in this year’s showcase.
We’re also proud to feature a special performance by @himadri.nandini.choreography—Kathak teachers and Co - Directors of Theiya Arts —together with the Advanced Kathak students.
When- 8th June, 5PM
Where- St. Brides Centre, Edinburgh
Theiya Arts is a multi-discipline dance school committed to inclusive education in South Asian dance forms. Your support helps us keep that vision alive ♥️
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[Kathak dance performance Edinburgh, South Asian dance school Edinburgh, Kathak showcase Edinburgh, Indian classical dance Edinburgh, Kathak adults and children Edinburgh, Kathak choreography Edinburgh, inclusive dance education Edinburgh, multicultural dance classes Edinburgh, classical Indian arts Edinburgh, Theiya Arts showcase, dance school in Edinburgh, Kathak teachers Edinburgh, advanced Kathak students Edinburgh, cultural dance programs Edinburgh, community dance performance Edinburgh, learn Kathak in Edinburgh, Kathak classes near me Edinburgh, South Asian performing arts Edinburgh, Kathak recital Edinburgh, ]
#theiyaartsdancecollective #theiyaarts #whatsonedinburgh #edinburghperformance #edinburghperformance](https://scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/502052227_1726907258191468_220989122303988569_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=yuur1ggoCOUQ7kNvwHgcr7v&_nc_oc=AdnYpbGj3-4HvgkDiu3IQzNRRdPffF7rTSAg-o1f1vplmsHVhe0aQ9YpLtX0mGjGrUk&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=nn71fjRhMHNc_0LsXBnp4w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFFL0nBbdoX2u72Whj9QjEpr0gMAQ2fihQYv3lxFWyBmNw6-xj5eo74CPhIUobGauZ0qHvDsQze&oh=00_AfujGU4zIvwUw8fuvFMjMde_pJ9sQYipKWswQTh2p8orDA&oe=69A67586)
![We are super excited for our Annual Summer Showcase . Students across all dance forms are working hard to share their art with you!!!
Save the Date !! 🗓️8th June , 5 PM.
Tickets will be available soon!!!!!🎟️
Watch this space for more !!!
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[edinburgh, Kathak, dance , Bharatanatyam, performance, Kandyan , students performing, watch dance , Bollywood, join us, Edinburgh school, what’s on Edinburgh, Sunday night plans, Sunday events in Edinburgh]](https://scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/495963961_18131981200419921_3416130748791353611_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=Pf6VrpyXkA8Q7kNvwGea8um&_nc_oc=AdkqCOVzG6J0ft-TCVNZbYpgWWFqErHuk_FRm28pPMqU3qRdhS7XmlUdFA_lSCBU_h0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=nn71fjRhMHNc_0LsXBnp4w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQG8auQjMvhZJderz2M6V08vtNfZPgbuv4oKCSLH6PlsZS3gopTAAEtNquHdrBh1XDjxu81n7S6e&oh=00_AfvyvDFjvjFB4x9oSdzLZGHzMFBevoGetimuczGrTMeWhw&oe=69A698A4)
![We had some engaging conversation with @alistairbraidwood on @scotswhayhae podcast ...
Visit scotswhayhae.com to listen to the full episode and to hear us chat about our project Maiden| Mother|Whore. And if you like what you hear join us for one of the performances.
1st November -12-1:30pm, 1:30-4pm and 7-8:30pm
(Check our previous reels to find out the best time for you )
9th November 1:30-3pm
15th November 5:30-7pm
Ticket links in bio
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[Dance, performances,visual art, Edinburgh. Exhibition, feminism, feminist art, live art, live music, interdisciplinary art, arts based research , academia and arts]](https://scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/504878378_1489195945596569_4060897737162030323_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=f59QmoRVfLkQ7kNvwEdrGEB&_nc_oc=AdnBDW7jTqYokpbKORUfQtjNgX6ku3BhLiaFnD7ksR8wrgO8TDz_elaPorKsnrLqD_c&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=nn71fjRhMHNc_0LsXBnp4w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHWcBSOc88ERU7VrXcNYgFYrFLqxvM7oKFUPQXbOlnkqyc85GYtDjlc7lJlx0CQRIu4tbNOrFej&oh=00_Afs2RxKJtGXejL40T6vdkz65kycPwFQ0-xbEnCqDgPk6rQ&oe=69A66A4B)
![Maiden| Mother|whore is an accessible performance with a relaxed setting,what do we mean by it!
Watch to find out.
If you want a discount code to attend the performance, comment below😊
When and where - 12 pm and 7pm for guided experience with live performances at @assemblyroxy and 1:30-4pm for open exhibition without live performances at @assemblyroxy
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[Dance, performance, performance in Edinburgh, Friday night plans, what's on Edinburgh, contemporary dance, women's health, feminism, watch South Asian arts, Contemporary dance, live music, visual arts, read, short stories,academic journals, participatory arts, trending in Edinburgh]#theiyaartsdancecollective #indiandanceinscotland #dancelife #dance #southasiandance #fridaynightinedinburgh #edinburghperformance #whatsonedinburgh](https://scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/503925394_1310260440441582_3300593030740586573_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=PmC-BAKculsQ7kNvwHJ9gLa&_nc_oc=Adl9fy_H9s_K2Vum-NywwDHs6Es6_PkJGnxrVRPkCx_eqo8z58ylmj6dz-wnW23kTfM&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=nn71fjRhMHNc_0LsXBnp4w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQH76Pq7qR1guIP2dsjHVDr4r9taD2t7I0Cg3zPtCODAJTWqFAY2uGLtmUeyz8_YT-omN2Qt1RDO&oh=00_AfvaoYoMbCms3IbvU0lmm-jyLAt4P-PJLaadA5EgQ0OR8A&oe=69A68958)
![Here are some highlights from the first event of Maiden| Mother | Whore event series.
The multi-disciplinary symposium that took place on 7th October at @dancebase .
The afternoon left us with some lovely memories and some stimulating provocations♥️
We were grateful to have shared the space with everyone who attended, thank you for bringing your generosity and engaging conversations.
Special thanks to @anknaarockiam, @rosalindsanderson, @absolutekilljoy and Tatiana for sharing your research process.
Thank you @anknaarockiam and @rosalindsanderson for facilitating such beautiful sessions
And thank you @absolutekilljoy and @ingridkyoung for being such lovely collaborators through the journey of Maiden| Mother| Whore and planning this symposium..
Do keep an eye out for more information on our next event in this series: Maiden| Mother| Whore - Durational Performance and Exhibition happening at @assemblyroxy on 1st November and join us in the collective spirit of disrupting, questioning and creating
Supported by @creativescots and @biomedselfsoc
The team behind the event - @gab_albornoz @himadrimadan @karenedinburgh @rutnagur_m @nandini1739 and @tharangarupanie
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[Arts, research, academia, arts based research, politics, performance, dance, dance research, performance research, museums, Galleries]
#theiyaartsdancecollective #edinbrugh #artsinedinburgh #performance #movement #paintings #paint #sustainableartpractices #artsresearchcentre #artsresearch #artresidency](https://scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/506372916_1130542805576875_1945013716206948100_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=M2zIPlSPSOAQ7kNvwHsAA0N&_nc_oc=AdkXxUyVgkcnJocZbCD_SOkDEkVHrYO-IxUChBf72hAmWqUPH6H8VB8qf91R8nzMOkY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=nn71fjRhMHNc_0LsXBnp4w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEaCCr5dQB7-cMnylDDzTNixniy-Q_2V9Pu4rMSGGU5cK-UQ4bUxrEnnskg60yFzqFnCDkju0y_&oh=00_AftO4InXkkCrzBxjIIN6iinvccaTqTvWVlLyA5NqvR2l2A&oe=69A68772)
![We are counting down to the first event of this Maiden | Mother | Whore season and we are beyond excited for the Multi-disciplinary symposium about Artistic Practice as Research we are hosting in collaboration with Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society at The University of Edinburgh, Centre for Applied Social Sciences at Queen Margaret University and Dancebase, Edinburgh.
Have you booked your space yet? This event is FREE to attend and its promising to be a dialogical and productive one!
Eventbrite link and the full article link in bio
About Maiden | Mother | Whore:
Choreography & performance: @gab_albornoz @nandini1739@himadrimadan @karenedinburgh @tharangarupanie
Vocals: @giulia.drummond
Projections: @robert_motyka_artist
Light design: Pete Searle
Set design: @aqsa.arif.art
Creative producing: @rutnagur_m and @susan_ripplearts
PR: @storytelling.pr
Stage management: @dancing_coffee_addict
Academic collaborators:
@absolutekilljoy and @ingridkyoung
@biomedselfsoc
Co-badged by - Centre for Applied Social sciences at Queen Margaret University
This project has been developed with the support of: @biomedselfsoc Artistic fellowship programme at @edinburghuniversity @creativescots National Lottery
Fund @dancebase
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[Dance, visual art, projections, mapping, performance, Edinburgh, choreography, south Asian dance, contemporary dance, movement, art, live music, live performance, exhibition, woman, gender, identity, create, activism, arts as activism, artivism, made in scotland, scottish artists, collaboration, academia]](https://scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/505457878_1646230099427954_8610916586664270400_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=WRVlePVyp64Q7kNvwGbCpgJ&_nc_oc=Admndxxtu9P0dDDCWIgXL8PNSshLMxiqG7DJdU1GG3ocxIU0A0UIgutnXu4RY2hCgiA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=nn71fjRhMHNc_0LsXBnp4w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFKiL7uu6GJKXmBUAk4crWvj0Gs4XCF_6H-sYxy3JtOkPA1CV9WfIo1_jySvJ5PrLHvHaimjuCX&oh=00_AfuCASESBKKmYOC3hMGAaOO-TeGVUfv0mjvykheNw_Ttsg&oe=69A67347)
![Did you know ?
Maiden| Mother| Whore is an interactive performance and the audience prompts the dancers’ movements...
The audience members are invited to respond to images in postcards through written words. And then dancers respond to audience’s words through their movement!!
If you like performances with audience participation come join us for the upcoming showcases of Maiden | Mother | Whore
(Although, if you don't like participation you can just watch and enjoy, no pressure😁)
Join us on :
1st November at @assemblyroxy
9th November at @centresouthside
15th November at @civichouse_
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VC : @inmamontero_tuflamenco
Vocals: @giulia.drummond
Supported by @creativescots , @biomedselfsoc
[Dance, interactive performance, music, live music,visual art, new performance, performance in Edinburgh]#theiyaartsdancecollective #indiandanceinscotland #dance #southasiandance #dancelife #kandyandance](https://scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/504476096_1781451716081617_3868607086954068002_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=xivFK7l1z5MQ7kNvwGbNAoq&_nc_oc=AdkydAm6LiHVFPBbRVFn5bV1GFn9l4ZbVpOpSGfWanmeBd2xwoXnxpwnnM1BrkdWvZM&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=nn71fjRhMHNc_0LsXBnp4w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFtvW7YewZ89mGF-rxL7staG53oX8Tzl0gLj5Woa8EoQ_6VBQyWlEFC78Lc9uTAJTRlxy4eyGNo&oh=00_Aftmo8k4Kc9Lz8RTOUev3tTb1BWe2lyRnSh1NFsjr19QQw&oe=69A69ECE)
![Today at @dancebase we were reworking on the score of this phrase!
We have 3 showcases in November for Maiden| Mother| Whore...
If you would like to see and interdisciplinary performance (dance, muti-media, installation, live music ) and like to explore being a creator as the Audience do join us at one of the showcases...
Dates and venue details to follow soon .
Video from 2023
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[Dance, performance, movement, contemporary dance, Bharatanatyam,Kathak,live music, Edinburgh]](https://scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/503781924_1229020925299295_8179749890438401022_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=Cg5xlJ2COXYQ7kNvwFTMOoM&_nc_oc=AdncVHb90yLWyDpLjP3pBy8ZJzei3efH54GsyHnvOGuCsreh-wwBtxOLUEvUrzKtYUs&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sea5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=nn71fjRhMHNc_0LsXBnp4w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGQamoELCHWABOt0iiqEXEPWcub7vxzbF1SgfjRfKcvmb0F23VPb43_7WYV1c0kuuTyJp6AYUJ2&oh=00_AfvFKmI2k5WKCHWxeEfh1hJytvE1b53Q1tZTpybxhHvKWw&oe=69A674A0)
‘Our communities are like seismic plates shifting and forming new blocs –a mosaic made up of the many shards of our identities, glued together by the sweat and blood of our protesting, rebelling, dreaming, scheming, and organising together, across the arbitrary borders that fail to contain us. It is beautiful, and fluid. This is what liberation looks like.We buoy each other. Separately, we endure, persist, stay alive. Together, we overcome and thrive.’
From the book “Greater than the sum of our parts“ By Nada Elia