Edmonton (Canada)

Royal Academy of Punjab – Edmonton

Royal Academy of Punjab (RAP) is thrilled to bring our authentic Punjabi folk dance roots straight to the heart of Edmonton. As our newest Alberta chapter, this branch is all about making high-caliber Bhangra training and vibrant cultural education accessible to local families.

Rooted in RAP’s foundational principles of heritage and professionalism, our Edmonton programs cater to all ages—from kids taking their first steps to adults mastering the rhythm. We focus on building solid technique, boosting personal confidence, and fostering a deep, genuine connection to Punjabi traditions.

Our goal here is simple: to enrich Edmonton’s cultural landscape, inspire students through structured training, and keep the true spirit of folk dance alive with passion and pride. We are excited to watch this community grow into a powerhouse of confident, connected dancers.

Location & Contact

Edmonton Studio Location
2909 Ellerslie Rd SW
Edmonton, AB, Canada T6X 1A5

(368) 889‑0900

yyc@royalacademy.org

Lead Instructor & General Manager

Manjinder Singh Pharmah

Manjinder’s journey began in the early 2000s during his school years, when his passion for folk dance quickly transformed into leadership. By Grade 7 he was performing; within two years he became captain of his school Bhangra team and earned multiple Best Bhangra Dancer awards throughout his school career.

After Grade 12, college opened a pivotal chapter: dancing live on dhol for the first time. That experience solidified his love for authentic folk Bhangra. He went on to represent Punjab in major cultural festivals across Jaipur, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and many parts of India, sharpening his performance craft on prominent stages.

In Toronto, Manjinder performed on more than 1,000 stages—from public festivals to corporate events and government cultural programs—and later transitioned into instruction, refining his skills in team-building, choreography, and student development. Over 300 students have been coached under his guidance, ranging from kids as young as 5 to youth, adults, and even beginners in their 50s. In the past two years alone, he has led more than ten workshops across Alberta, including sessions with non‑Punjabi communities, using Bhangra as a tool for cultural connection and fitness.

Competition credentials are strong: his team placed 2nd at high‑level stages such as Bhangra in the Burgh in the USA, and he has earned multiple Best Performance awards at multicultural events where diverse teams compete. His specialty is authentic folk Bhangra—whether danced on dhol, traditional folk beats, or modern Punjabi tracks—with notable stamina, clean technique, and storytelling choreography. Beyond performance, Manjinder brings creative strength in video production, using visuals to showcase culture in a modern, professional way.

Teaching philosophy and vision for Edmonton
Manjinder’s approach is built on patience, positive motivation, and clear technical breakdowns. He firmly believes that anyone can dance with the right guidance. Having taught across both Toronto and Edmonton, he is dedicated to establishing a top-tier hub for authentic folk Bhangra right here in the city. The mission is to create a positive, inspiring, and professional environment where every learner—child, adult, beginner, or experienced dancer—feels proud of their roots and excited to grow.