Surupa Sen (Choreographer, Sound Designer, Soloist), described by the New York Times as “among the world’s greatest dancers,” 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, Sen has shaped a distinctive aesthetic for Nrityagran that is both rooted in tradition and boldly innovative. Passionate about choreography and rhythm, she has created an acclaimed repertoire of works, including eight 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), and Āhuti Relived (2022); 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).

Pavithra Reddy (Dancer) began her association with Nrityagram in 1990 when she joined its rural outreach program while living on a nearby farm. She went on to become the first student to graduate from the program, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey in Odissi.

Trained under the guidance of Surupa Sen and enriched by collaborations with dancers and movement specialists from around the world, Reddy joined the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble in 1993. Since then, she has performed both as a soloist and with the Ensemble on some of the most prestigious stages in India and internationally. Alongside being a full-time performer, Reddy plays a vital role as director of outreach activities, teaching in Nrityagram’s residential school and in its community programs, ensuring that dance continues to reach and inspire new generations.

Anoushka Rahman (Dancer) first encountered Nrityagram in 2018, when she came from Kolkata to attend a Summer Workshop. What began as a brief visit soon became her path, as she returned to pursue advanced training with Surupa Sen and Pavithra Reddy after starting Odissi under Smt. Dona Ganguly.

Recognized for her dedication with the Virendra Kumar Laroia Fellowship, she has performed with the Ensemble across India, the US, Canada, and Sri Lanka, and made her solo debut in 2024. With a postgraduate degree in Mathematics and a Sangeet Bhaskar in Odissi, Rahman now dances full-time with the Ensemble, bringing together rigor, artistry, and imagination.

Daquil Miriyala (Dancer) entered Nrityagram’s world in 2010 through its Village Outreach Program. The following year she became a residential student, balancing her academic studies with immersive dance training under Surupa Sen and Pavithra Reddy.

In 2021, her journey came full circle as she joined the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble. Since then, she has performed across India, the US, Canada, and Sri Lanka, carrying forward the vision of Nrityagram from its classrooms to the global stage.

Namaha Mazoomdar (Dancer) is a dancer, trainer, theater director, and storyteller whose artistic journey bridges multiple disciplines. She began her Odissi training in Mumbai under Guru Daksha Mashruwala, and since 2013 has worked as a freelance dancer with companies in India and Singapore, performing across India, Singapore, Australia, and Indonesia.

A qualified actor with a diploma from the Intercultural Theatre Institute, Singapore, Mazoomdar brings the depth of theater into her dance practice. In 2022, she began advanced training with Surupa Sen and Pavithra Reddy, and in 2024 she joined the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble, bringing her diverse artistic experience into its fold.

Jatin Sahu (Lead Vocal, Harmonium) learned Odissi singing under the tutelage of Guru Ramahari Das at the Music College, Odisha. He lives in Mumbai and has worked with Nrityagram since 2008. He is also a concert singer.

Rohan Dahale (Mardala, Percussion) began his training with Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra and has continued to learn from Guru Banamali Maharana for the past 12 years. He lives in Mumbai and accompanies Odissi dancers from the region. At present, he is percussionist at the dance village and travels and performs with the Ensemble.

Parshuram Das (Bamboo Flute) is a disciple of Pt. Mohini Mohan Pattnaik. He graduated from the Music College, Odisha, and in addition to freelancing as a music accompanist, he teaches at Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar. He has been with the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble since 2002.

Siba Nayak (Violin) has a postgraduate degree in Hindustani violin from the Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar. He freelances as a music accompanist and has worked with the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble since 2018.

Lynne Fernandez (Lighting Designer, Technical Director) is one of India’s pioneering professional lighting designers, having collaborated with leading directors such as Barry John, Joy Michael, Ranjit Kapoor, and Lillete Dubey. Her theater work has been showcased internationally, from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to London’s West End and New York’s Off-Broadway.

She joined Nrityagram in 1993 as production and technical consultant to the newly founded Ensemble, later becoming its technical director. In 1997, she was appointed executive director of Nrityagram Village, School, and Ensemble—a role she continues to hold.

Since then, she has been at the heart of Nrityagram’s growth: shaping its administration, securing its future, and guiding its projects. She has overseen the Ensemble’s emergence on the world stage while also dreaming up new spaces for artists to create. Recent initiatives include Kula, a residence for arts practitioners, and plans for a Performing Arts Centre with a theater, exhibition space, and rehearsal studios.

For Fernandez, Nrityagram is not just an institution but a living community—one she has helped nurture into a place where dance, creativity, and mindful living come together.