2025-03-31-accounts

Nikkan Dance Academy

Scottish Charity Number: SC052870 Reporting Period: 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025 Date of Report: 30/11/2025

Contents

1. Reference and Administrative Information

2. Structure, Governance and Management

3. Objectives and Activities

4. Achievements and Performance

5. Challenges and Future Plans

6. Financial Statements

7. Independent Examiner’s Report

8. Governance and Trustee Responsibilities

9. Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

10. Approval of the Report

1. Reference and Administrative Information

• Charity Name: Nikkan Dance Academy

Bankers

● Barclays Bank UK PLC, 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP

2. Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

Nikkan Dance Academy is governed by a constitution , adopted on 21st December 2023 . It outlines the charity’s purposes, trustee responsibilities, and administrative procedures.

Appointment of Trustees

Trustees are appointed through nomination , typically serving terms of 3 years. Induction includes familiarisation with governance requirements, safeguarding, and financial oversight.

Organisational Structure

The Academy is managed by a small operational team overseen by the Board of Trustees. Day-to-day decisions are delegated to the Artistic Director and admin support, while strategic decisions are made in quarterly trustee meetings.

Risk Management

The trustees have reviewed the key risks facing the organisation and are satisfied that appropriate measures are in place to manage them. As a small dance institute with a limited staffing structure, the following principal risks have been identified:

1. Dependence on Key Personnel

The organisation relies heavily on one principal teacher for programme delivery and continuity. Any prolonged absence could impact class schedules and service provision. To mitigate this, trainee teachers are being trained to support core activities and ensure basic operational continuity.

2. Financial Sustainability

As a small charitable institute, income fluctuations—particularly in class enrolment, workshop bookings, or grant availability—may affect financial stability. Regular financial monitoring, maintaining reserves, and diversifying income streams support long-term sustainability.

3. Operational Disruptions

Uncertainties such as venue availability, health-related disruptions, or changes in regulatory requirements could affect the delivery of activities. The organisation maintains strong relationships with venue partners and follows relevant health and safety guidance to minimise disruption.

4. Safeguarding concerns

Safeguarding concerns in a dance institute arise from risks such as inadequate supervision, unclear boundaries, insufficient checks on staff, or unsafe studio practices when working with children. These are mitigated by having a strong safeguarding policy, conducting PVG checks, providing regular staff training, maintaining proper supervision ratios, and establishing clear reporting procedures.

The trustees will continue to monitor these risks throughout the year and ensure that appropriate controls and contingency plans remain in place.

3. Objectives and Activities

Charitable Purposes

The Academy exists to:

• The advancement of culture and intangible cultural heritage with a focus on advancing original Indian Classical and folk dance, staging cultural, dance events and exhibitions, enhancing talents of original Indian dance, running dance classes and clubs, giving presentations and/or performances for the public to raise awareness of the history and traditions of the diverse communities regarding intangible cultural heritage.

• The advancement of citizenship and community cohesion via advancing intangible cultural heritage through offering art and culture activities, training opportunities, dance clubs for original Indian Classical and folk dance and community development initiatives, as well as facilitating engagement and participation of the diverse communities in various art and culture programs.

• The promotion of equality and diversity through celebrating cultural heritage and community cohesion via culture, dance, art and community development initiatives and programs seeking to tackle exclusion and promote integration and active citizenship.

Public Benefit Statement

We provide clear public benefit through:

• Affordable dance education.

• Outreach to underserved communities.

• Free or subsidised participation for families with financial challenges.

• Community events that promote cultural inclusion.

Main Activities in 2024–25

• Weekly dance classes across age groups (children, teens, adults).

• Workshops in classical dance, folk, and fusion styles.

• Website development first phase initiated and launch date planned by end of 2025.

• Facilitated board examinations and certifications to the students training in Nikkan under

• the UK board PRSSV and Indian board SSSP.

• Outreach programmes in schools and community centres.

• Training and professional development for instructors.

• Fundraising initiatives including shows and parent support drives.

4. Achievements and Performance

Participation

• Total students taught: 60 - 70

• Children: 45 - 55

• Adults: 15

• Retention rate: 70%

Community Impact

• Outreach programmes reached 30 children in localities.

• Feedback surveys indicated:

• 60% increased confidence

• 40% improved fitness

• 30% greater cultural awareness

Key Achievements

● Successful debut/continuation of the events:

• Bi-annual students and talent showcase of Nikkan, which is called TARANA.

• Founder and Director Tanwi Bhattacharya contributed as dance director and main dancer in the Tagore Geddes Festival in Edinburgh led by Scottish Centre of Tagore Studies (ScoTs).

• Growth in community presence through performances:

• Students and dancers of Nikkan performed in SODECS, Doctor’s Association Annual event.

• Bengali, a particular regional group of children and adults from Nikkan performed in the United Kingdom Bengali Convention (UKBC) in Edinburgh. Tanwi Bhattacharya herself performed too.

5. Challenges and Future Plans

Challenges

• Rising venue hire costs.

• Teacher availability for specialist dance styles or at unavailability of the primary teacher.

• Adult class dropout during winter months.

Future Plans

• Expansion into East Calder to meet community demand.

• Strengthening grant applications to national arts funders.

• Offering hybrid/online classes to promote the art form more and make it more accessible.

• Deepening partnerships with schools and cultural organisations.

• Training and hiring skilled teachers.

6. Financial Review

● Income and Expenditure Summary :

The organisation maintained a sound financial position throughout the financial year [1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025] , ensuring that all funds were managed prudently and in line with our charitable objectives.

Total income for the year was £13,871 , generated through a combination of class and workshop fees and performance income. We remain grateful to our supporters, funders, and participants whose contributions enable us to continue delivering high-quality dance programmes and community projects.

Total expenditure amounted to £7,941 , reflecting costs associated with programme delivery, venue hire, dance teacher fees, marketing, and administration. All expenditure decisions were made with due diligence to ensure that resources were directed towards achieving our charitable aims and maximising community impact.

At the end of the financial year, the organisation held a closing balance of £5,930 , providing a stable foundation for future activities and strategic development.

The trustees are satisfied that the organisation remains financially sustainable and compliant with relevant regulatory requirements. We will continue to exercise careful financial management to support our long-term mission of promoting access to dance and fostering creativity within the community.

● Income Summary : Various sources of income is summarized below -

Source of Income	Amount (in GBP)
Class fees	12,779
Event Sponsorships	600
Event Tickets	476
Workshop fees	16
Funding	0
Total Income	13,871

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4. Approval of th• Roport