Sujit Vaidya

🪔 About

Sujit Vaidya is an independent Bharatanatyam dance artist and choreographer based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He primarily works as a soloist and continues his training in Bharatanatyam under Guru A. Lakshman. Vaidya's artistic practice is deeply rooted in the traditional Indian classical dance form, yet his choreographies often question non-inclusive traditional narratives and aim to create space for queer expression within Bharatanatyam. His work reflects his experiences and curiosities as a queer artist of color. Vaidya began his formal Bharatanatyam training at the age of 35, completing his dance graduation in 2009. In recognition of his emerging talent, he received the Vancouver City's Mayor's award as best emerging dance artist in 2010, making him the first South Asian artist to achieve this honor. His works have been featured in various festivals, including the Vancouver International Dance Festival, Dancing On The Edge, and MAI Montreal. He is currently developing a dance on film titled "Sacred Sacrilegious," supported by the Sadhana Project Residency Program, Anandam Dance Theatre in Toronto, and The Canada Council For The Arts. Vaidya is known for his thought-provoking performances that engage with contemporary conversations on queerness, stillness, and gaze, while honoring the choreographies of his guru. Awards & Honours: Vancouver City's Mayor's award as best emerging dance artist (2010).