Surabhi Bharadwaj, the Artistic Director of Siddhi Creative, is a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, curator, educator, and lighting designer, boasting a career spanning over a decade.

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Trained and mentored by Guru K M Raman, Guru Radha Sridhar, Guru B Bhanumati, and Guru Mavin Khoo, Surabhi also learnt the Karana movements under Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam and Nirupama Rajendra. Surabhi holds dual Master's degrees - MFA in Bharatanatyam from Sastra University, Thanjavur, and MFA in Dance: Design and Production from Saint Mary's College of California. Her performances have earned global acclaim, garnering recognition from esteemed publications like the New York Times, Broadway World, and DanceTabs.

 

As a performer and educator, Surabhi seeks to blend Bharatanatyam with contemporary relevance, emphasizing on collaboration, justice, and community building. She critically examines the historical context of the dance form, power dynamics, and political implications in her practice. Stories of women inspire her and she often explores personal experiences and politics around women in her works. Surabhi's commitment extends to curation of community events bringing artists together in a collaborative space, closer to the audience. The SynergyArts Community Festival is one such initiative that aims to connect Indian dance practitioners, students, and connoisseurs through interactive dance-related games, art booths, and performances by local dance companies all in a community park. 
 

Recipient of grants from the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, Zellerbach Community Arts, Dancers’ Group CA$H Grant, and residencies at SafeHouse Arts, Deborah Dance Theater, and Bangalore International Center, Surabhi’s influence extends worldwide as an Empaneled Artist of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations and a Graded Artist by Doordarshan, India's National Broadcasting Channel.

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Her diverse artistic portfolio includes her signature snake dance “Aadu Pambe” and an array of multidisciplinary works such as:

1. "Ashrutam – The Unheard Voice": This dance-theater production explores the complex history of Bharatanatyam and pays homage to the hereditary artists who contributed to the art form we practice today. It premiered at ODC Theater, San Francisco, in November 2019.

2. "The Dream Tree": A fictional dance-theater production inspired by sustainable living, taking audiences on a whimsical journey through the interplay of fiction and reality. It premiered at the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, San Ramon, in May 2022

3. "The Maze":  a devised work that uses text, movement, poetry, music, theater, and technology to challenge conventional notions of beauty, femininity, motherhood, and the idealization of womanhood. In collaboration with Veena Basavarajaiah as the Director, this work is currently in development and is scheduled to premiere at the ODC Theater, San Francisco in September 2024.

4. "Finding Joy": illuminating the beauty of the ordinary, this work aims to make Bharatanatyam more accessible by exploring and sharing elements common to our day-to-day lives, bridging the gap between the art, artist and the audience. In collaboration with the Siddhi Creative Ensemble, this work is currently in development and is scheduled to premiere at the ODC Theater, San Francisco in September 2024.

Prior to her move to the USA in 2015, she held key roles as the Principal Dancer in renowned Bharatanatyam companies, Punyah Dance Company and Raadha Kalpa Dance Company, in India.

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