“The only proper response to dancers this amazing is worship.”
— The New York Times
Nrityagram Dance Ensemble
One of the premier Indian dance ensembles performing today, the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble (pronounced NRI-thyuh-graam) has the unprecedented distinction of making The New York Times’ “Best Dance of the Year” list two consecutive years in a row (2015, 2016). More than a dance company, Nrityagram was founded as a Gurukula (school) devoted to Indian dance. Led by Artistic Director and Choreographer, Surupa Sen, the all-female ensemble’s daily life of intensive training and meditation brings to the stage compelling captivating performances that are at once sensual and lyrical.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Described by The New York Times as “among the world’s greatest dancers,” Surupa Sen is the Artistic Director, Choreographer, and Principal Soloist of Nrityagram. She trained in Odissi under Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and Guru Protima Gauri, studied Abhinaya with Guru Kalanidhi Narayanan, and the Natyashastra with Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam.
For more than two decades, Surupa has shaped a distinctive aesthetic for Nrityagram that is both rooted in tradition and boldly innovative. Passionate about choreography and rhythm, she has created an acclaimed repertoire of works, including nine full-length ensemble shows for Nrityagram Śrī: In Search of the Goddess (2001), Ansh (2005), Sacred Space (2005), Pratimā: Reflection (2008), Śriyaḥ (2010), Saṃhāra (2012), Āhuti (2019), Āhuti Relived (2022) and KHAṄKHAṆĀ: the sound of dancing feet (2025); three full-length duet shows Saṃyoga (2012), Songs of Love and Longing (2013) and Aṅgahāraḥ (2025); three full-length solo shows Yadunandana (2017), Vinati: Songs from the Gita Govinda (2021) and Madhuragati (2024); two virtual shows Vinati, a solo for World Music Institute’s Dancing the Gods Festival and Upadāna: An offering for the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and numerous dance pieces.
Her artistry has earned her some of India’s highest honors, including the Raza Foundation Award (2006), Nritya Choodamani from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai (2011), and India’s highest honor for the performing arts, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Odissi (2018).