SUCHITRA SAIRAM founded Kala Vandanam in 2002.  Her teaching and creative work are marked by adherence to her gurus’ exacting standards, her personal creativity and depth of exploration. She is passionate about presenting and teaching the art, honoring tradition while embracing the aesthetics of our changing world.

• strive for excellence
• introspection for growth
• holistic alignment with allied arts and personal growth practices
• art as a vehicle to experience joy, develop humility and self-confidence

Her work reflects a deeply personal blend of eastern and western values, methods, and aesthetics, as well as her multi-faceted experiences, background and interests. Her mission integrates the arts, science, culture, leadership and entrepreneurship to develop great people and spread good in the world.

Suchitra is passionate about giving young dancers a voice in different ways. Her debut illustrated children’s book, Dancing Deepa, is the recipient of multiple awards.

Suchitra is a highly committed Bharatanatyam artist with over 35 years in the field, and received foundational training from Smt. Padmini Chari. Suchitra continued advanced training under legendary artists Sri V.P. and Smt. Shanta Dhananjayan, and Sri M.V. Narasimhachari (late) and Smt. M. Vasanthalakshmi. She also pursues study of rhythm arts under Sri Somasekhar Jois (konnakkol) and Sri Sheejith Krishna (nattuvangam). All of these artists are her great guides and inspirations as an artist, teacher, and arts presenter.

Suchitra has received many awards and grants to support her creative and teaching work, including:

• Knight Arts Challenge grant (2015)
• Minnesota State Arts Board grants (2017, 2019)
• Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (2022, 2023)
• Next Step from the McKnight Foundation (2016, 2024)

She has served as a panelist for the prestigious McKnight Fellowship for Dancers, and was a member of the Teaching Artist roster and the Cowles Council for the Cowles Center for Performing Arts until its closing in May 2024.

Suchitra was named the India Association of Minnesota’s 2024 Person of the Year.

Suchitra’s artistic work has been received with appreciation. She has several solo and group productions to her credit that has been received with appreciation by audiences around the U.S. Suchitra is a skilled nattuvangam (vocal percussion and hand cymbals) artist, accompanying soloists and dance companies.

Suchitra holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from MIT, and an MBA from the University of Texas-Dallas. In addition to her passion for the arts and business interests, she volunteers her time support leadership development, entrepreneurship, and science and math education for girls.