Artistic Director, Surabhi Bharadwaj
Surabhi Bharadwaj is the Artistic Director of Siddhi Creative and Siddhi Dance Academy, and a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, educator, curator, and lighting designer with over a decade of professional experience.
She trained under esteemed Gurus including Guru K. M. Raman, Guru Radha Sridhar, Guru B. Bhanumati, and Guru Mavin Khoo. She has studied Karana movement techniques with Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam and Nirupama Rajendra, and is currently training in nattuvangam under Guru Prasanna Kumar. Surabhi holds dual Master of Fine Arts degrees: an MFA in Bharatanatyam from SASTRA University, Thanjavur, and an MFA in Dance: Design and Production from Saint Mary’s College of California.
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Rooted in tradition yet guided by inquiry and experimentation, Surabhi’s work bridges classical form with contemporary thought. Her performances and productions have been recognized by publications including The New York Times, DATEBOOK SF Chronicle, BroadwayWorld, and DanceTabs. As a performer and educator, she is committed to cultivating inclusive spaces within Bharatanatyam and creating work that is historically grounded while resonating with present-day audiences. Collaboration and community-building remain central to her artistic practice.
Her choreographic portfolio includes her signature snake dance Aadu Pambe and acclaimed productions such as Ashrutam – The Unheard Voice, The Dream Tree, The Maze, and Finding Joy. She has presented her work across India, Europe, and the United States.
A recipient of grants from the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, Zellerbach Family Foundation (Community Arts), Dancers’ Group CA$H Grant, Alameda County ARTSFUND, and Alliance for California Traditional Arts Apprenticeship, Surabhi has been creating work through several residencies and staging it in the USA since 2016. Surabhi holds the title ArshaKalaChudamani awarded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, is an Empaneled Artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and a Graded Artist with Indian National Television.