choreographer. collaborator. researcher.
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ABOUT
Stella Uppal Subbiah is a Bharatanatyam artist, choreographer, and educator with over 30 years of experience. A Kalakshetra alumna, she has dedicated her career to reimagining Bharatanatyam as a contemporary creative force. As the co-founder of Sankalpam, she has developed pioneering choreographies, led training programs, and designed innovative curricula for institutions such as the University of Surrey. Her work bridges Eastern and Western perspectives, blending tradition with modern sensibilities to explore themes of gender, identity, and cultural expression. Through research, collaboration, and teaching, she continues to push the boundaries of Bharatanatyam while staying rooted in its rich heritage.
artistic
work
Stella approaches Bharatanatyam as an interdisciplinary art form. Her work integrates insights from Montessori education, Tamil and English theatre, Tamil literature, yoga, music, and contemporary dance, encouraging students and audiences alike to explore new intersections of movement and meaning. She has actively collaborated with specialists from various fields, bringing fresh perspectives to her practice. Through ongoing research and artistic exchange, she challenges Bharatanatyam's boundaries while preserving its essence, ensuring that it remains a living and evolving art form. Stella’s artistic work spans live performance and dance films, each reflecting her unique ability to merge storytelling with movement.
KRISHNA:
KNAVE OF HEARTS
