London, April 6 Kathak expert Balbir Singh, who recently received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to dance, believes that this royal honour is a celebration of the guru-shishya tradition in Indian classical art forms.
Born in India and raised in the UK, Singh, who was trained in Kathak under the guidance of Padmashri Guru Pratap Pawar, has carried this tradition into contemporary British cultural life over the years.
As the founder of the Balbir Singh Dance Company (BSDC) based in Leeds, northern England, the artistic director has been committed to creating a platform to bring Kathak and contemporary dance together in the UK for over two decades.
"When I learned that I would receive this honour, my thoughts immediately went to my parents and to my Guru," said Singh.
"The training I received in Kathak not only shaped my artistry but also my understanding of discipline, humility, and responsibility. This recognition belongs to that guru-shishya lineage. It belongs to everyone who has sustained Indian classical dance across generations and across continents. I feel grateful to carry it forward," he said.
Singh received the MBE at a ceremony at Windsor Castle in southeast England recently. His MBE recognizes work that has toured widely across the UK and internationally, while remaining deeply rooted in community engagement.
From major theatres to community centres, care homes, and civic spaces, Singh says he has consistently advocated that Indian classical dance belongs wherever people gather.
According to his dance company, the royal honour recognizes not only his artistic achievement but also cultural bridge-building.
Singh is recognized as having mentored more than 100 emerging artists and created 'Nayak', a digital platform designed to open access to classical Indian dance training across disciplines and geographies.
Under his leadership, BSDC claims the distinction of being one of the first British-Indian-led dance organisations to secure long-term public investment from Arts Council England.
"For the Indian diaspora and for practitioners of classical arts, the MBE signals the continuing global resonance of India's artistic traditions. It affirms that forms such as Kathak can evolve, travel, and remain rooted at the same time," BSDC said.