Suma Nair

🪔 About

Suma Nair is a distinguished Indian classical dancer, teacher, and choreographer, primarily known for her profound engagement with Bharatanatyam. Her journey in dance began in the Middle East, where she was initiated into the study of Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of Sujatha Suresh. Nair further honed her artistic and academic prowess by pursuing and successfully completing an MFA in Dance from York University. Her artistic philosophy is characterized by a dynamic approach that seamlessly blends traditional Indian Classical dance with contemporary styles, allowing her to explore and create innovative forms of dance expression. This unique blend forms the foundation of her artistic endeavors, reflecting a forward-thinking perspective while honoring classical roots. Currently, Suma Nair holds the esteemed position of Artistic Director at Sampradaya Dance Creations, an award-winning South Asian dance company based in Mississauga, Canada. In this pivotal role, she has significantly enriched the company's repertoire through her choreographic contributions. Her notable works include Kindred (2016), Hidden Lie (2016), and Transcendence (2016), all of which showcase her distinctive choreographic voice. She also oversaw a remount of the work “Howzat” for Sampradaya Dance Creations. A recent highlight of her leadership was the co-creation of the “Mandala” production in 2022, a collaborative effort with Lata, conceptualized during the Academy's 30th-anniversary celebrations. This production involved a diverse team of Bharatanatyam and Kathak dancers, emphasizing a collaborative choreographic process. Beyond her contributions to performance and choreography, Nair possesses additional skills, having received training in documentary filmmaking from Algonquin College Ottawa. This training has enabled her to work on several projects documenting the journeys and artistry of various professionals and artists. Her multifaceted career underscores her commitment to the performing arts, both on stage and behind the scenes, establishing her as a significant figure in the contemporary Indian classical dance landscape in Canada. Awards & Honours: Susan Crocker and John Hunkin Scholarship in Fine Arts (2014).