Madhuban Performing Arts is a dynamic collective of talented musicians and dancers dedicated to showcasing the rich traditions of South Asian arts in Calgary. With a deep-rooted passion for music and dance, our diverse ensemble brings together the vibrant rhythms, melodious tunes, and graceful movements that define South Asian culture. Through captivating performances, educational initiatives, and community engagement, we strive to foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation while preserving and evolving the artistic heritage of our collective. Join us on this cultural journey as we create memorable experiences that celebrate the beauty and diversity of South Asian performing arts.
Ishita Singla, founder of Madhuban Performing Arts, channels her lifelong dance passion into a journey of empowerment. Influenced by icons like Madhuri Dixit and Madhubala, she founded the organization in 2016, initially a dance team but quickly evolving into a diverse artist haven. The music team was born in 2017, adding depth to Madhuban’s legacy. Ishita seeks to integrate art into lives, shifting South Asian art in Calgary from an afterthought to a cornerstone. Her impact on the community aims to make art integral to personal journeys.
From belly dancing to bhangra, Rashmeet is a self-taught dancer who has been with Madhuban since its inception. Whether it’s performing in various projects, helping out backstage or teaching Madhuban’s dance classes in Edmonton, she has been actively involved in Madhuban’s growth from day one. As a performer and teacher, Rashmeet enjoys sharing the art of dance and watching others grow confident in their abilities. The expressiveness, individuality and creativity are what make South Asian dance forms her favorite.
Having tried her hand at dancing as a child, Nmeshivi got more interested in pursuing it after joining Madhuban. Through her time with Madhuban, she has grown from attending dance workshops to teaching her own adult and kids dance classes. While she enjoys passing on everything she has learnt to her students, performing is still her favorite part about being a dancer. Opening for the Atif Aslam concert in Calgary felt like a dream come true and is her most memorable moment with Madhuban.
Hansika grew up dancing to bhangra and Bollywood music before she joined Madhuban in 2018. She brings her creativity and passion for dance to the team and enjoys the fusion of different dance forms to create the unique pieces Madhuban is known for. Hansika loves dancing for a cause and appreciates the work Madhuban is doing within the Calgary community. From watching University of Calgary’s prestigious Dance Montage to performing at it, she is proud of how far the team has come and is excited for what the future holds.
From teaching dance since middle school to attending workshops on Zoom to performing on the streets of downtown Calgary, Komal has a soft spot for Bollywood dancing. Whether she’s teaching Madhuban’s dance classes or emulating Madhuri’s expressions on shoot days, dance is an outlet that gives her the strength to take on the world. She attributes her growth as a person to her experience with Madhuban and is excited to contribute towards the team as it goes from strength to strength.
In search of new ways to stay fit, Bhu knew she needed to “keep moving to stay moving” and that’s when she happened to stumble upon dance. For Bhu, Madhuban is about a group of artists making art where she gets to explore her Punjabi and Canadian identities through Bhangra-fusion forms of dance. As an artist at heart, dancing with Madhuban and managing its social media are just two of the many ways she channels her creativity.
Ari, a dedicated dancer for 23 years, found Madhuban through Montage. She brings a wealth of experience in various dance forms to the group, including Ballet, Jazz, and Bollywood. Her fondest Madhuban memory is a video shoot in Banff, a bonding experience with the team. Despite challenges in embracing South Asian culture, Ari appreciates the group’s loving and supportive atmosphere. As a mother, her artistic pursuits have slowed, but her passion for dance remains. She aims to merge different dance styles within Madhuban’s close-knit family.
Through her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Calgary, Danielle brings her specialization in contemporary forms of dance to the team. She finds that her understanding of jazz really helps her perform South Asian cultural dances. Danielle believes it’s Madhuban’s inclusivity and uniqueness that make it stand out within Calgary’s arts and culture scene. Dancing on the streets of downtown Calgary for Chinook Blast is a memory that she’ll always cherish.
Ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop and Afro are just some of the dance forms Shelby is familiar with. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Calgary and a six-year stint in a competitive hip-hop crew, she finds the energy and collaboration in Madhuban is what sets it apart. As a non-South Asian team member, she enjoys the inclusiveness, comfort and confidence she gets dancing with Madhuban and is interested in learning more about different South Asian dance forms.
Shiv has been dancing for over a decade, with his mom being his first ever choreographer. For him, picking a favorite form of dance is like picking a favorite word – there’s too many to choose from! Apart from dance, he enjoys artistic expressions of all kinds and likes to explore different musical instruments in his free time. As a strong believer of dance as a collective experience, Shiv identifies deeply with Madhuban and the community it continues to cultivate.
Akshat’s sense of rhythm comes from his mother, who is a classically trained singer. Having grown up in India, his involvement in the culture has played a major role in influencing his art. He enjoys dancing with Madhuban because of how it represents the diverse dance forms of South Asia. Akshat believes that it is Madhuban’s understanding of fundamentals and exploration of different artforms that make it stand out. He encourages everyone to follow their true passions no matter the experience or professional training you may have had.
Aseem is a talented musician and integral member of Madhuban. As a lead singer, he showcases his versatility by occasionally playing bass and guitar, with a musical style that combines rock and high-energy Bollywood songs. A founding member, Aseem actively shapes the band’s direction and contributes to decision-making processes. His involvement with Madhuban has deepened his understanding of music production and performance, while his dedication to education and sustainable practices reflects his commitment to making a positive impact on society. With his adventurous spirit and passion for growth, Aseem continues to contribute to Madhuban’s success and the pursuit of a better world through music and education.
Shivek is a versatile artist and musician with a deep passion for South Asian performing arts. Joining Madhuban Performing Arts in its early stages, he transitioned from singer and drummer to singer-percussionist and singer-guitarist, constantly expanding his skills. With a diverse musical background and a love for classic Bollywood and rock, Shivek brings a unique sound and style to the group. His contributions extend beyond music, actively participating in event planning and supporting the dance team. Balancing his artistic pursuits with other commitments, Shivek remains dedicated to sharing the cultural richness of their art forms with a wider audience.
Aditya (Adi) embarked on his artistic journey with Madhuban Performing Arts during its early days. Impressed by the group’s talent and passion, he quickly became a valued member of their music team. Adi’s leadership role involves collaboration, logistics, and prioritizing the team’s well-being. As a versatile musician and passionate student of Hindustani classical music, he excels as a lead singer and also showcases his budding skills on the sitar. Adi’s dedication inspires the team to explore new artistic territories, creating captivating performances that resonate with audiences and ignite artistic pursuits.
Parth, Creative Director of Madhuban Performing Arts’ music team, is a versatile musician bridging genres influenced by both Western and South Asian sounds. He honed his skills as a keyboardist and vocalist in India before joining the band in Canada, playing a pivotal role in shaping their musical identity. As Creative Director, Parth guides the band’s musical direction, crafts soundscapes for dance performances, and excels in sound production for captivating shows. His journey with Madhuban has witnessed growth and innovation, transitioning from backing tracks to a live ensemble. Parth’s mission is clear: “Nerds make the best art,” reflecting their commitment to excellence and to inspire and elevate South Asian art and culture within and beyond the community.
Karan is a talented musician and singer who discovered Madhuban through a serendipitous encounter. Impressed by his guitar medley at an University talent show, Ishita Singla, the founder of Madhuban and the then-forming band approached him, leading to his first performance at Arts Commons. As a member of Madhuban, Karan plays guitar, sings Hindi-English fusion songs, and assists with administrative tasks. His journey in music began with performing Shabads (hymns) at the Gurudwara. Influenced by South Asian and international artists, Karan creates covers blending different musical styles. Being part of Madhuban has fueled his growth and passion for music while offering unique opportunities for artistic expression.
Chetan is a talented percussionist specializing in the Cajon, and an integral member of Madhuban. His journey began when he discovered the band during a cricket event and expressed a genuine desire to join. With experience playing percussion instruments like the conga and cajon in India, Chetan’s skills and musical background made him a perfect fit. He actively contributes to performances, logistics, and documentation, and his favorite moments include energetic outdoor performances like Chinook Blast. Chetan’s rhythmic expertise and collaborative spirit greatly impact Madhuban, leaving a lasting impression in the Calgary music scene.
Tanmaya is a versatile musician and a key member of Madhuban Performing Arts. With 16 years of experience playing the electric guitar, he brings a unique fusion flavor to the band’s performances. Tanmaya’s journey with Madhuban began when he stumbled upon one of their open mic events and was captivated by their blend of Indian and Western music. His passion for music extends beyond the band, as he enjoys exploring different genres and finding connections between diverse musical styles. Outside of music, Tanmaya stays active through workouts, golf, and hiking
Yohaan is a talented musician and beatboxer who brings a unique human element to Madhuban, renowned for his passion for South Asian performing arts. With exceptional beatboxing skills and a love for percussion, Yohaan’s journey with Madhuban began at their open mic night, quickly becoming an integral part of the team. Incorporating Indian influences into his performances, Yohaan aims to bridge musical genres, constantly seeking improvement and inspiring others in their creative pursuits.
Revati is a talented singer and a vital member of the band Madhuban. Her journey with the group began when she discovered them on Facebook and impressed them with her singing recordings. As the lead female singer, Revati’s passion for music, developed through her family’s musical background, shines through her performances. She also contributes to the band’s sound by occasionally playing instruments like the shaker and keyboard. With her love for classic Hindi songs and her dedication to Madhuban’s mission, Revati adds a unique touch to the Calgary music scene.