About the Instructor:

As an internationally renowned master artist in the field of Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance, Sujatha is an incredible dancer, teacher and choreographer. While remaining rooted in this traditional art form Sujatha has directed dance productions on modern themes, including climate change, racial injustice, unity in diversity, and women's issues. As a collaborator, she has woven multi-cultural stories from different genres to create choreographies that are thought provoking and innovative. Recent productions like EKAM, Vivarta-Transformations and The Mighty Cuyahoga were groundbreaking productions which engaged communities in social and historical narratives. Sujatha’s commitment to authentic and honest storytelling through dance is seen throughout her work. Her ability to expand the range of the Bharatanatyam dance form, brings an informed understanding of her work to newer audiences. Through consistent performance and teaching, she has propagated, preserved and shared this 2,000-year-old artform not only with her students, but with the artistic community in North East Ohio. As an arts educator, she brings meaningful connection between art and education in Northeast Ohio schools through the Center for Arts Inspired Learning. As the founder and artistic director of Shri Kalaa Mandir- Center for Indian Performing Arts, a leading Indian dance company, she has fostered and trained new generations of dancers. Her goal throughout her career has been to educate her students and the community to truly experience and appreciate art and see its potential for unifying us in unimaginable ways.