About us
Palwinder Thuliwal is an internationally acclaimed Punjabi folk dancer, choreographer, and judge with expertise in Bhangra and other traditional Punjabi dances such as Jhummer, Luddi, Jindua, and Malwai Giddha. Active in coaching, performing, and promoting Punjabi folk dance globally, he runs the Punjabi Folk Dance Academy (PFDA) in Australia. “So far I have trained over 1000 students, with many of my teams and Bhnagra players winning top awards at Australian and other global competitions,” he says with honour and pride.
Welcome to PFDA Australia – Melbourne’s premier institution for authentic Punjabi folk dance, where tradition meets excellence in the heart of Tarneit.
I have 26 years experience of Punjabi folk dances, particularly Bhangra. I coached Bhangra teams at Government College Malerkotla in 2004 and 2005, Atman College Jammu in 2005, and Sunrise Public School Manal from 2002 to 2006. Additionally, I trained local students in Malerkotla, Dhuri, Barnala, and Sandaur. Since 2018, I have been running the Punjabi Folk Dance Academy in Australia. I have participated in various prestigious events, including youth festivals at Punjabi University-affiliated colleges, the Jhoomer Competition in Patiala, and cultural programs in Punjab, Jammu, and Melbourne. Notable performances include events at Monash University, the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Sikh Games Melbourne, and TV channels like DD1, where I performed with renowned singers. I have also written articles and essays for national newspapers and magazines, received college color for Bhangra in 2003-04, and been honored with certificates from cultural and sports organizations. Furthermore, I have served as a judge at various dance competitions, showcasing my expertise and contribution to Punjabi folk culture.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Government College Malerkotla and a Bachelor of Education from Jammu University. Additionally, I have completed a Diploma in Horticulture from HSA Melbourne and a Diploma in Construction and Building from Building Academy Australia, along with a Certificate IV in Real Estate. I have been managing a transport company since 2010 and have been actively involved in building construction work for the past five years. Furthermore, I have been running a TV channel for the last four years and actively participate in community activities, contributing to various initiatives and events.
I am a skilled Punjabi folk dance coach specializing in Bhangra and other traditional Punjabi dances such as Malwai Giddha, Jhummer, Luddi, and Jindua. I have also served as a judge for numerous prestigious dance competitions, including the Bhai Roopa Dance Competition in 2004, Thuliwal Bhangra Competition in 2003, and international events like the Australian Bhangra and Giddha Competitions in 2016, Sanjh Cup in Auckland (2016), Punjabi Folk Festival in Edmonton, Canada (2018), and the Bhangra Competition in Auckland (2023). Since 2018, I have been running the Punjabi Folk Dance Academy in Australia, where I have taught over 1000 students to perform Bhangra on dhol beats. I have successfully organized four consecutive Punjabi Folk Dance Festivals and take pride in being the first academy in Australia to bring a professional drummer from India annually for my students' benefit.
My journey as a Punjabi folk dance coach has been marked by remarkable achievements and milestones. In 2019, our team won first prize at the prestigious Dasmesh Bhangra Competition. The Junior Boys team showcased their exceptional talent by winning first prize in the folk category at the Bhangra World Cup 2022 in Surrey, Canada, and securing the 1st runner-up position in the 2023 World Cup. At the RPD Bhangra Cup Sydney 2024, both the Girls and Boys teams triumphed as champions in the live folk category, a testament to their hard work and dedication. Similarly, at the Australian Bhangra Cup 2024, the Junior Girls and Junior Boys teams won first prizes in the live folk category, while the Senior Girls team achieved 1st runner-up in the folk category. The Junior Boys also earned a 1st runner-up position in the music category, highlighting their versatility and passion for Punjabi folk arts. These accolades reflect my commitment to nurturing talent and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Punjab on global platforms.
At PFDA Australia, our mission extends beyond teaching dance steps. We are committed to: Preserving authentic Punjabi folk dance traditions Creating a nurturing environment for cultural learning Building confidence in young performers Strengthening community bonds through shared cultural experiences Developing well-rounded individuals through artistic expression
Led by Coach Palwinder Thuliwal, our academy offers expert instruction in: Traditional Bhangra Folk dance forms including Luddi and Jhoomer Cultural performance arts Traditional music appreciation with world-renowned Dhol player Ustad Balbir Singh Ghanot
We believe in creating an inclusive, supportive environment where students of all ages and skill levels can thrive. Our teaching methodology focuses on: Personalized attention for each student Age-appropriate instruction techniques Progressive skill development Integration of cultural values Building confidence through performance opportunities
Located at Tarneit and Truganina our academy provides: Spacious, purpose-designed dance spaces. Professional training equipment. Safe and secure environment. Easy accessibility for local families. Modern amenities for student comfort.
Over the years, PFDA Australia has become more than just a dance academy. We are: A cultural hub for the Punjabi community. A bridge between generations. A platform for cultural expression. A nurturing ground for young talent. A guardian of traditional arts and values.
