Subashini Ganesan

🪔 About

Subashini Ganesan-Forbes is a distinguished Bharatanatyam artist, choreographer, curator, and arts administrator, widely recognized for her contributions to the performing arts, particularly in Portland, Oregon. Born and raised in Singapore, she began her Bharatanatyam training at the age of four and a half at Bhasker's Dance Academy, performing her first public dance at five years old. Ganesan-Forbes later pursued higher education in the United States, earning degrees in biology and religion after studying genetics at the University of Rochester. Her early career included work in public policy in Washington D.C. and promoting fair trade for Equal Exchange in Portland, where she moved in 2001. As a contemporary Bharatanatyam artist, Ganesan-Forbes is celebrated for her innovative and deeply collaborative works that explore universal emotional expressions. She has pushed the boundaries of the traditional form by incorporating elements like dancing without music and collaborating with artists from diverse genres. In 2008, she founded Natya Leela Academy. She further solidified her commitment to the arts community by establishing New Expressive Works (N.E.W.) in 2012, a vibrant performing arts venue in Portland that provides critical space and support for multicultural independent performing artists through residencies, artist conversations, and performance seasons. Ganesan-Forbes served as the Creative Laureate of Portland from 2018 to June 2021, acting as a cultural ambassador for the city. She currently holds the position of Chair of the Oregon Arts Commission and is actively involved in regional cultural planning initiatives. Awards & Honours: Juice! Award (2018), Community Engagement Award (2019), Regional Arts & Culture Council Grants.