Our Story

Every House Has a Story. This One Started with Bhangra.

It All Started at Home

Before it was an academy, House of Bhangra was quite literally a house full of Bhangra.

Growing up, Akash and his siblings danced everywhere—the living room, basement, garage, bedrooms, and yes, even the shower. Music and movement were part of the family. They danced through the good times and stayed together through the difficult ones. In many ways, they were the original House of Bhangra.

That’s the feeling we’re bringing to our community today.

House of Bhangra is a place for kids, teens, and adults to move, learn, stay active, build friendships, and experience the joy of Bhangra—whether it’s their first class or the beginning of something much bigger.

  • Eight dancers in green, orange, blue and red Bhangra costumes and turbans posing together
  • Black-and-white photo of Bhangra dancers mid-step on stage at the American Bhangra Championships
  • Dancers in diamond-patterned costumes leaping into the air on stage
  • Dancers with arms stretched wide performing Bhangra on an outdoor dance floor under string lights
  • A group of dancers in matching diamond-patterned costumes standing beside a dhol drummer
  • A Bhangra team crowded together on stage celebrating with a trophy

The Founders

Meet the People Behind the House

Meet Akash Minocha

Founder of House of Bhangra / Lead Instructor

Born and raised in New Jersey, Akash has always been driven by movement, competition, and community. His Bhangra journey began at 12 years old, teaching himself through YouTube videos before ever stepping onto a formal dance team. In high school, he began teaching friends with no dance experience—some of whom later went on to compete on collegiate teams themselves.

His journey continued through NYU Pandemonium, Rutgers Bhangra, and Anakh-E-Gabroo, one of New York’s premier independent all-male Bhangra teams. Over the years, Akash has competed at more than 30 competitions, won on national stages, performed at corporate events, and performed alongside Diljit Dosanjh at IIFA 2017.

However, Bhangra has always meant more to Akash than performing. It has been a source of purpose, energy, connection, and joy through every stage of life.

Now, he’s bringing those years of experience home to New Jersey—to help the next generation discover what Bhangra can bring to their lives.

@akash_minocha on Instagram ↗

Meet Saurabh Bansal

Director of Operations

Born in Delhi and raised in NYC, Saurabh loves learning, teaching, and growing as a person. He was a shy kid, and his mom still jokes that she prayed every day for him to come out of his shell.

He began dancing Bhangra purely for the love of Punjabi music and to embrace his Punjabi roots through his mom’s side of the family. It became something much more meaningful: a chance to express himself, build confidence, and celebrate his individuality.

Outside of dance, Saurabh enjoys helping others learn and grow, having spent two years as a learning assistant and worked as a part-time professor at Rutgers.

Inspired by Akash’s vision, Saurabh is excited to be part of something bigger. As Director of Operations, he hopes to help create an environment where kids can step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, embrace who they are, and have fun.

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