About

I am a choreographer and researcher based in Helsinki, Finland. My movement practice roots from the dialogue between my training in classical Indian dance, Bharatanatyam, and my formal training in western dance techniques (BA at Trinity Laban). My choreographic work is driven by my need to process and reflect on the psyche of human nature affected by the socio-political challenges of today. I am curious about employing dramaturgical methods found in traditional dance forms (e.g., Natyashastra) and experimenting with their structure and relevance on the contemporary stage. My work is predominantly seen by western audiences; hence I am consciously trying to abolish surviving colonial patterns of how eastern dance forms are being viewed, which can undermine the potential of a culturally polyphonic contemporary dance scene in the west. During my master’s studies (MA in choreography, Theatre Academy, Helsinki), I experimented with abhinaya (facial expressions) as an improvisational tool. I currently experiment with abhinaya and video projection, exploring the impact of scaled up facial expressions in space. My research work is affiliated with the research project ‘Terra-Performing’ in which I have been a part since 2023 as an assistant researcher in performance, with principal investigator Dr. Samir Bhowmik. I am currently investigating the topics of Extractivism, Artificial Intelligence, and robotics in relation to choreographic practices.