Preeti Vasudevan

🪔 About

Preeti Vasudevan, born in Madras (now Chennai), India, in 1973, is an acclaimed Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and educator known for her innovative contemporary dance-theater works rooted in Bharatanatyam. She commenced her Bharatanatyam training at the age of four, studying under eminent gurus U.S. Krishna Rao, and later V.P. Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan in Chennai. Her artistic journey expanded in 1995 when she received a one-year scholarship to study and teach dance in Japan, which significantly broadened her understanding of movement. Vasudevan pursued advanced dance education, earning a Master's in Dance Studies from Laban Centre London in 2001, and subsequently becoming a Certified Movement Analyst from the Laban Institute of Movement Studies in New York. In 2004, she founded Thresh, a New York-based performing arts collaborative. As its Artistic Director, she creates provocative contemporary works that emerge from the Indian tradition, aiming to foster a dialogue about identity and heritage cultures through experimental productions. Her distinctive approach is characterized by a fresh juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary voices, effectively bridging ancient traditions with the modern world. Beyond her performance and choreographic work, Vasudevan is a dedicated educator. She developed "Dancing for the Gods," an interactive educational website in collaboration with the NYC Department of Education, designed to build a cultural bridge through creative Indian dance and utilized in NYC public schools. She also serves on the New York Lincoln Center's Artistic Committee, advocating for representation and diversity in the arts. Awards & Honours: Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists (2018), Jerome Robbins Dance Division's Dance Research Fellowship, Virginia B. Toulmin Fellowship for Women Leaders in Dance (2019), USA Dance Motion Award, US Dept of State Travel Grant Award, Mahindra Excellence in Theater Awards (META) for "The Absent Lover" (2009), DPA Atelier award (2015), Cannes Film Festival award-winning choreographer.