Surupa Sen

Surupa Sen (born 22 November 1969) is an Indian Odissi dancer, choreographer, and artistic director of Nrityagram, a dance ensemble and training institute based in Hessaraghatta, Karnataka. She is recognized for her innovative choreography and leadership in promoting Odissi globally, contributing significantly to Indian classical dance. She has received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Raza Foundation Award (2006, 2017), Yagnaraman Award (2008), and Nritya Choodamani title from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai (2011) for her contributions to Odissi.

Early life Sen was born on 22 November 1969 in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Career Sen joined Nrityagram in 1990, soon after its founding by Protima Gauri, and later became its artistic director. Her choreography, often performed with Bijayini Satpathy, emphasizes Odissi’s lyrical and expressive qualities.

Under Sen’s direction, Nrityagram has performed at international venues, including the Joyce Theater, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, and Skirball Center in New York, earning recognition for precision and emotional depth. She has performed in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Sri Lanka, and countries in the Far East. Sen has collaborated with groups like Sri Lanka’s Chitrasena Dance Company for cross-cultural productions. Her leadership has fostered a community dedicated to Indian classical dance at Nrityagram.

Awards and recognition Surupa Sen received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2018 for her contributions to Odissi.