Our Past programs . Events Festivals
Our Events and Festivals
2025
Folklore Festival 2025 - Sep 14th 2025
Folk Star Arts Academy proudly presents the Folklore Festival 2025, a spectacular celebration of dance, music, culture, and heritage. Building on the success of past editions, this year’s festival will bring together traditional and contemporary performances from around the world.
With global rhythms, colorful costumes, soulful music, and captivating cultural expressions, the festival will showcase the spirit of unity in diversity. It will be a truly unforgettable evening of art, community, and cultural pride.
Dhol Meets the Powwow Dance - Sep 14th 2025
his project is a co-creation between Folk Star Arts Academy, The Wild Moccasin Dancers, and Lower Mainland Punjabi and Indigenous community members, including Surrey, Vancouver, and the surrounding communities. Our primary goal is to engage youth and emerging artists from these communities in the creation of an original, cross-cultural performance piece that brings together Punjabi Bhangra and Indigenous Powwow Dance.
We are already working with an Indigenous dance troupe, The Wild Moccasin Dancers, who are officially on board for this partnership. We also have regular relationships with community members through schools, Punjabi clubs, and youth arts organizations. The majority of our participants are already engaged with Folk Star’s regular programming, including free Bhangra workshops, turban-tying classes, and folk music classes taught at Guru Angad Dev Elementary School, our established community partner.
To attract new members, we will use a combination of outreach strategies, such as:
Carrying out pilot cultural exchange workshops in schools and community centers.
Creating social media campaigns based on past success stories and the opportunity to be part of a unique intercultural performance.
Offering free registration and transportation aid for youth from underprivileged communities.
Engaging elders and community leaders to inspire participation through word-of-mouth and trust networks.
The collaborative and open nature of the project will be emphasized in all outreach so that participants feel included, valued, and invited to contribute to this culturally diverse new work.
Special Workshop with Jessy Sahota - june 8th 2025
Folk Star Arts Academy hosted Jessy Sahota for an exclusive workshop on building stamina and creating a healthy diet plan. Students gained valuable insights into maintaining peak energy and wellness, helping them elevate their performance both on and off the stage.
This inspiring session was a wonderful opportunity for our academy community to learn directly from an expert and strengthen their path toward excellence.
2024
Folk Lore Festival 2024
Chinese New Year Event hosted by Fraser Valley Chinese Culture Association -To showcase a fusion of two cultures, we were invited by the Fraser Valley Chinese Culture Association to do a Bhangra performance to show the bond between both communities via dance and art.
Inter Cultural Events hosted by Richard Bullpitt Elementary School Langley -Two of our volunteers went to represent Punjabi and Indian culture at Richard Bullpitt Elementary School’s Intercultural event. We showcased a short dance segment for the students, and showed them various different traditional musical instruments, their uses, and why we do our dance.
Charity Gala by Ridge Meadows South Asian Cultural Society Maple Ridge -As an effort to show our support for the Ridge Meadows South Asian Cultural Society, with whom we have collaborated with before, we did a Bhangra performance to showcase Punjabi culture as a part of South Asian Culture.
Mehfil Band - june 20th 2024
-On June 29th, 2024, Folk Star Arts Academy proudly participated in Mehfil Band 2024. Our academy’s mission from the beginning has been to provide emerging artists with a platform to showcase their talents. This event exemplifies our ongoing commitment to supporting and promoting new artists in the performing arts.

Interactive Session with Dr. Balwinder Kaur Brar -2024
– Dr. Balwinder Kaur Brar is a member of the Wellington Punjabi Women’s Association in Calgary. She came to Folk Star Arts Academy and hosted a session talking about the importance of family connection and many other topics. She gave insightful information to everyone who attended.

Kafla by Raj Kakra
– On August 25th, 2024, at the Surrey Arts Centre, Folk Star Arts Academy participated in Kafla Live Band 2024. This event underscores our commitment to supporting live music and providing emerging artists with a platform to showcase their talents through dynamic performances.

FolkLore Festival 2024 - Surrey
– Folklore Festival 2024 took place at the Bell Centre on September 29th in Surrey. This year we were a sold out show hosting over 720 people and 260 performers. This year, we’re expanded the festival’s scope to include artists from around the world who will teach students before their showcase. Our aim was to broaden the cultural diversity of the performances and engage a larger audience. We also reached out to other dance academies to collaborate and share their cultures, fostering a deeper appreciation and acceptance of diverse traditions within our community.
Social Media Safety Workshop - November 2024
– It will be an interactive event held at Guru Angad Dev Elementary, aimed at promoting the safe and educational use of social media among youngsters and teenagers. This informative and engaging event will feature interactive workshops, and thought-provoking discussions on fostering responsible digital behavior. Participants will learn valuable strategies for navigating social media platforms safely, combating cyber bullying, and harnessing the power of social media for educational purposes. This event is supported by the City of Surrey.

FolkLore Festival - Vancouver - December 2024
– Folklore Festival Vancouver will be taking place in December 2024 at the Annex Vancouver Civic Theatre. This year, we’re expanding the festival’s scope to Vancouver. Our aim was to broaden the cultural diversity of the performances and engage a larger audience. We also reached out to other dance academies to collaborate and share their cultures, fostering a deeper appreciation and acceptance of diverse traditions within our community.
2023
BC Demographic Survey Community Engagement 2023
-Folk Star Arts Academy facilitated open-ended discussions, panels, Q&A sessions, and forums to address community demographics in society, involving community members, including children from the academy, to foster understanding and positive change.
Vancouver Celebrates Dance hosted by Shiamak Vancouver
– Folk Star Arts Academy’s Senior Girls Team collaborated with Shiamak Vancouver to celebrate traditional Indian dance alongside the Vancouver community, promoting cultural diversity and unity.
World Folk Festival 2023, Luddi (1st Runner Up)
Ten girls from our senior team dedicated three months of rigorous preparation for the World Folk Festival 2023 in the Luddi category. Competing against a multitude of teams, they showcased their incredible talent and determination, ultimately securing the second-place position.
These achievements and upcoming events reflect Folk Star Arts Academy’s unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, cultural enrichment, and community inclusion. Through our dedication and outreach efforts, we aim to create a more interconnected and harmonious society that celebrates the diversity of cultures worldwide.
South Asian Family Festival in PNE hosted by SAFF Organization
The academy’s Senior Girls, Junior Girls, Beginner, Co-Ed, and dhol teams participated in this family-friendly event, celebrating Indian and Punjabi culture through live dance, art, music, and more.
Experience India hosted by South Asian Student Club at SVC (Skagit Valley College) USA
SVC invited us to Experience India, Folk Star Arts Academy’s Senior Girls Team showcased Punjabi traditions and culture, highlighting both traditional aspects and the preservation of Punjabi culture in North America. Folk Star Arts Academy engaged with SVC’s South Asian Student Club, promoting cultural exchange, and understanding through dance and art.
Summer Festival hosted by Victoria Drive Business Improvement Association
The Consulate General of India participated in the Victoria Drive Business Improvement Association’s annual Summer Festival, promoting Incredible India, and fostering tourism partnerships while showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage.
Celebrating 75th Anniversary hosted by Langley Memorial Hospital
Folk Star Arts Academy joined in celebrating the Langley Memorial Hospital’s 75th anniversary, contributing to the community’s health care legacy
Fiji Festival Burnaby hosted by Bulal Fiji Association of BC
The Fijian community invited Folk Star Arts Academy to share its culture once more through Bhangra and Giddha performances.
Canada Cup - International Field Hockey Tournament hosted by West Coast Kings Field Hockey Club
Folk Star Arts Academy supported the Canada Cup International Field Hockey Tournament, promoting sports and fostering youth development through community engagement.
Langley Global Fest: Hosted by Langley Community Services Society
This event promises cultural performances, food vendors, and community organisation showcases, exemplifying Folk Star Arts Academy’s dedication to community engagement and cultural celebration.
19th Breast Cancer Fundraiser hosted by Sanjha Vehra Women's Association
-Our junior girls did a performance at the Sanjha Vehra Women’s Association Breast Cancer Fundraiser event to promote their endeavour and raise awareness for their cause.
Diwali Festival hosted by City of Langley Library
The City of Langley Library hosted a Diwali event where we were invited to showcase a Bhangra performance to enrich the experience and display aspects of Punjabi culture through dance for the traditional Indian holiday.
Annual Christmas Party hosted by Panthers Field Hockey Club Surrey BC
To show support for the Panthers Field Hockey Club, our Senior Girls team displayed both Bhangra and Luddi to brighten the atmosphere and bring some Christmas cheer!
2022
Anti-Racism Data Legislation Engagement 2022
-In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, Folk Star Arts Academy facilitated open-ended discussions, panels, Q&A sessions, and forums to address racism in society, involving community members, including children from the academy, to foster understanding and positive change.
Canada Day Performance hosted by City of Maple Ridge -
- Invited by the Maple Ridge community, Folk Star Arts Academy’s Junior Girls team delivered a charismatic and energetic performance to celebrate Canada’s multicultural identity, showcasing the rich Punjabi culture within the community.
- Family Day Parade hosted by City of Delta – On Family Day, Folk Star Arts Academy participated in the Delta city parade with its own float, featuring Bhangra and Giddha performances by the Co-Ed and Senior Girls teams, fostering a sense of community spirit.
- Fiji Festival, Burnaby hosted by Bulal Fiji Association of BC – Folk Star Arts Academy was invited by the Fijian community to share Punjabi culture through Bhangra and Giddha performances, exemplifying the organisation’s commitment to cultural exchange.
- Pitt Meadows Day Parade hosted by City of Pitt Meadows -Similar to the Delta Family Day Parade, Folk Star Arts Academy was invited to perform at the Pitt Meadows Day Parade, representing the Punjabi community through the outstanding performance by the Senior Girls team.
- Grand Celebrations of India’s 75th Independence Day hosted by Consulate General of India (Vancouver BC) – The academy proudly showcased Punjabi culture and traditions during India’s 75th Independence Day celebrations organised by the Consulate General of India in Vancouver, demonstrating the rich heritage from which they hail.
- CIBC Run in South Surrey hosted by Canadian Cancer Society – Folk Star Arts Academy’s Senior Girls Team participated in the CIBC Run in South Surrey, contributing to a fundraiser for cancer research while spreading cultural awareness and unity within the community.
- Vaisakhi celebration hosted by Peace Arch Hospital Foundation – To celebrate Vaisakhi, a traditional Sikh and Punjabi holiday, the Senior Girls Team performed Bhangra at the Peace Arch Hospital Senior Care Center, bringing joy and cultural enrichment to senior community members.
- Vancouver Celebrates Dance hosted by Shiamak Vancouver – Folk Star Arts Academy’s Senior Girls Team collaborated with Shiamak Vancouver to celebrate traditional Indian dance alongside the Vancouver community, promoting cultural diversity and unity.
2021
Folk Star Arts Academy performances: In 2021
CU (Chandigarh University) Alumni hosted by CU Alumni Association BC – This event, organised by CU Alumni Association, brought together esteemed alumni to share their cherished experiences from their time at CU. It was a heartwarming and emotional open-mic session for alumni and dignitaries alike, signifying the start of a new chapter for Chandigarh University.
Folklore Festival 2021
For the past three years, Folk Star Arts Academy has been proudly hosting the annual Folklore Festival, a vibrant and culturally enriching event that has become a significant highlight within our community. The festival serves a dual purpose: firstly, it provides an invaluable platform to showcase the remarkable progress and talents of our dedicated students, celebrating their growth and achievements in various art forms, including Bhangra, Giddha, and more. Secondly, the festival is a bridge to the wider world, as it extends a warm invitation to outside performers from diverse cultural backgrounds. These external artists are welcomed to share a delightful glimpse of their own unique cultures, creating a rich tapestry of traditions, and fostering a sense of unity and appreciation among our attendees. Through the Folklore Festival, Folk Star Arts Academy not only nurtures its students’ artistic development but also promotes cultural exchange and understanding, making it a truly transformative and unifying experience for all who participate.
2020
Colors Of Art & World Folk League 2020
– Folk Star Arts Academy Events: During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the academy hosted online events like “Colors of Art 2020” and “World Folk League 2020,” showcasing artists from around the world and spreading knowledge of diverse traditions, cultures, and values.
Folklore Festival 2020
Through the Folklore Festival, Folk Star Arts Academy not only nurtures its students’ artistic development but also promotes cultural exchange and understanding, making it a truly transformative and unifying experience for all who participate.
