Shobana Suresh

🪔 About

Shobana Suresh is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in Sydney, Australia, known for her profound impact on the classical arts scene in the Australian Indian community and beyond. A devoted disciple of Padmabhushan Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar and Smt. Bragha Bessell, Shobana has been performing for over two decades across India, Sri Lanka, and Australia on prestigious stages and festivals. Her expertise in Bharatanatyam, nattuvangam, and choreography spans over three decades, showcasing a deep commitment to the art form. Shobana is particularly revered for her sensitive approach to Abhinaya (expression and storytelling), through which she has cultivated a unique personal style characterized by a captivating blend of sophistication, grace, and subtlety. Her creative works are noted for transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries, bringing fresh perspectives to Bharatanatyam. In 2010, Shobana co-founded the Samarpana Institute of Dance in Sydney with her husband, Suresh. At the institute, she is dedicated to sustaining authentic Bharatanatyam practice and nurturing the next generation of dancers. With a background in Education, Shobana employs a gentle and creative approach to training her students, catering to diverse learning needs and abilities. Her commitment to artistic innovation is also evident in her co-production of "Our Country" in 2018, a dance film that explored Dorothea Mackellar's iconic poem through Bharatanatyam, supported by the Blacktown Arts Council. Her contributions to art and culture in New South Wales were recognized with the International Women's Day Award by the Rotary Club of Granville in 2018. She was also nominated as a finalist in the Business Woman of the Year category at the 2022 Blacktown Local Business Awards for her leadership and innovation at the Samarpana Institute of Dance. Awards & Honours: International Women's Day Award (2018), Blacktown Local Business Awards Finalist (Business Woman of the Year) (2022).