Surupa Sen

🪔 About

Surupa Sen is a highly acclaimed Indian Odissi dancer, choreographer, and the artistic director of Nrityagram, a renowned dance ensemble and training institute located in Hessaraghatta, Karnataka, India. Born on November 22, 1969, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India, Sen began her Odissi training at the age of five. Her early education also included Bharatanatyam, which she credits with shaping her focus on form and line in dance. Sen's extensive training in Odissi was under several eminent gurus, including the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Nrityagram founder Guru Protima Gauri, Guru Ratikant Mahapatra, and Guru Bichitranandan Swain. She further honed her skills in Abhinaya under Guru Kalanidhi Narayanan and delved into the ancient treatise on dramatic arts, Natyashastra, under the guidance of Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam. She joined Nrityagram in 1990, shortly after its establishment, and was the first student to graduate from its rigorous program. Over three decades, she has been instrumental in researching and expanding the Odissi dance vocabulary, developing a distinctive aesthetic style that has become the hallmark of the Nrityagram school. As artistic director, choreographer, and principal soloist, Sen has choreographed numerous acclaimed productions, including full-length ensemble, duet, and solo shows, which have garnered global critical acclaim. Her work is recognized for blending traditional Odissi techniques with contemporary themes, emphasizing the dance form's lyrical and expressive qualities. Under Sen's leadership, the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble has performed extensively across India and internationally, including tours to North America, Europe, Australia, and the Far East. The ensemble, under her direction, was notably featured on The New York Times' "Best Dance of the Year" list for two consecutive years in 2015 and 2016. Sen is also a dedicated teacher, inspiring students at Nrityagram and carrying forward the institution's evolving pedagogy. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2018), Raza Foundation Award (2006), Raza Foundation Award (2017), Yagnaraman Award (2008), Nritya Choodamani (2011), Grant from The Asian Cultural Council (2000), Award for best choreography.