Created by NXHLillian
Last edited March 31, 2026
Vidhya Subramanian at TEDxGateway 2019

Vidhya Subramanian is a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and teacher recognized for her expertise in the Vazhuvoor style.[1][2][3]

Biography[edit | edit source]

Vidhya Subramanian was born in Chennai and began learning Bharatanatyam at a young age.[3] She trained under S. K. Rajarathnam and Abhinaya exponent Padmabhushan Kalanidhi Narayanan.[3][4] She made her debut (Arangetram) in 1984, and subsequently performed across India and internationally.[5][6]

After moving to the United States in 1990, she founded the Lasya Dance Company in California.[5]

As a choreographer, she has created productions that explore cultural and social themes, including female empowerment and patriarchal structures.[7][8] In addition to solo performances, she has worked as a mentor and artistic director, contributing to the development of students and ensemble works.[4][9]

Awards[edit | edit source]

Vidhya Subramanian is a recipient of the Nrithya Choodamani award from Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai.[10]

She is also the recipient of awards such as Nadanamamani from Karthik Fine Arts, Chennai and Yuva Kala Bharati from Bharat Kalachar, Chennai.[6]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Vidhya Subramanian - INK Talks". INK Talks. Retrieved 16 Aug 2025.
  2. Kymal, Meera (3 November 2022). "Vidhya Subramanian Joins Ponniyin Selvan Cast As Chola Empress". India Currents. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Anand, Anjana (28 March 2025). "Beyond beauty & grace - Interview with Anjana Anand". Sruti Magazine. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Swaminathan, Chitra (11 July 2025). "'It's lovely to be a dancer at any given time,' says Bharatanatyam artiste Vidhya Subramanian". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
  5. 5.0 5.1 "Vidhya Subramanian - South Indian Bharatanatyam dance". ACTA - Alliance for California Traditional Arts. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Sampath, Janani (1 February 2015). "From Playing Noor Jehan to Sita". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
  7. Srikanth, Rupa (31 January 2022). "Vidhya Subramanian's refreshing portrayals". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
  8. Desai, Dr. S.D. (16 December 2019). "Draupadi in Still I Rise is a woman dishonoured across time". Narthaki.com. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
  9. Raju, Nidarshana (2 July 2025). "Bharatanatyam dancer Vidhya Subramanian uses Varnam as a medium to explore dualities". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
  10. Ramani, VV (8 June 2023). "'Performance is an emotional journey,' says Vidhya Subramanian - Vidhya Subramanian, recipient of this year's Nrithya Choodamani award, speaks about her early influences, training, and how she has matured as an artiste". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 August 2025.