Sobhana Jaisingh

🪔 About

Shobana Jeyasingh CBE is an internationally acclaimed British choreographer and founder of Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, known for her innovative work that blends classical Indian dance with contemporary forms. Born in Chennai, India (formerly Madras) in 1957, she also lived in Sri Lanka and Malaysia during her formative years. Jeyasingh received her classical training in Bharatanatyam under Vazhuvoor Samaraj Pillai. She pursued higher education in the UK, arriving in 1981 to complete a master's degree in Shakespearean studies at the University of Sussex, where she specialized in English Literature. Initially performing as a classical Indian dancer, Jeyasingh became dissatisfied with the traditional presentation and touring circuits of Indian dance. This led her to transition into choreography, and she founded her own company, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, in 1988 or 1989. Her work is characterized by its intellectual rigor and visceral physicality, often exploring the complexities of her experience as a British Asian and the conflicts arising from diverse cultural origins. She draws upon a wide range of dance styles, including Bharatanatyam, Ballet, and contemporary dance, to create her distinctive pieces. Over her career, Jeyasingh has choreographed more than 60 critically acclaimed works for various settings, including stage, screen, and unconventional outdoor and indoor sites. Her collaborations extend to a diverse group of creatives, such as composers (including Michael Nyman), filmmakers, mathematicians, and digital designers. Shobana Jeyasingh Dance has toured extensively across the UK, Europe, USA, Turkey, India, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong, with some of her works being incorporated into the National Curriculum for Dance in the UK. Beyond her choreographic work, Jeyasingh has contributed significantly to the dance world through her published writings, papers, panel presentations, and broadcast interviews. She has also served on prestigious panels for organizations like the Arts Council of England and The Royal Opera House, and was a judge for BBC Young Dancer in both 2017 and 2019. Awards & Honours: Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) (1995), NESTA Dream Time Fellowship (2005), Asian Woman of Achievement in Art and Culture (2008), Lifetime Achievement Award at the WOW Women in Creative Industries Awards (2017), Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) (2020), Honorary MA, Honorary MA, Honorary Doctorate, Honorary Doctorate, Honorary Fellowship.