Shobha Subramanian began training in vocal and Bharatanatyam at the age of seven. Initiated into Bharatanatyam by Ms.
Sundari Seshadri (Kittappa Pillai school) of Delhi and subsequently enhanced style by undergoing training under the
world-renowned couple - the Dhananjayans. She maintains her dance through workshops with renowned dance gurus including
Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar of Kalakshetra and B. Bhanumathi (Bangalore). She simultaneously developed an interest in the
graceful enchanting Mohiniattam dance of Kerala and took lessons from famous exponents Kalamandalam Usna
Banu and Kshemavathi of Kerala. In addition, she is an accomplished singer having learnt vocal Carnatic music from mother
and grandmother (disciple of Sri Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar of Kerala).
Other Achievements:
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Toured Helsinki and other cities of Finland in 1980."Nrithya Shivali" title awarded by Shivali Society, Bombay at their
Young Dancers' Festival in 1989.
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Three-time winner of Maryland Governor's Citation and Individual Award winner from Maryland State Arts Council,
she was invited to perform a special tribute to 9/11 at the Millennium Stage in 2001 and repeat it at the Open House of
John F. Kennedy Center, Washington DC in 2002.
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Organizational grants awarded from MSAC for conducting dance festival, workshops, performances.As Dance Director
of Jayamangala school, choreographed and coordinated several dance dramas like "Krishna Krishna Krishna", "Andal Kalyanam",
"Ayyappa Charitham", "Living Colors", "Bhavayami Raghuramam" and "Shree Vinayaka" a collaboration with National
Ballet dancers.
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Presented several lecture-demonstrations at local schools like Mt. Vernon College (DC), Swarthmore College (PA),
Haverford College (PA) and Univ. of Maryland. Guest lecture on Mohiniattam as part of a course entitled "Religious and
Cultural dances of India" at American University, Washington DC.
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Presented several senior disciples in full solo debut concert (Arangetrams) for the past five years in USA.
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Produced a documentary film on Bharatanatyam "Rhythmic Expressions" which was commissioned by a grant from
Prince George's Arts Council in FY2001.
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Composed music and choreographed dance for the English translation of the play NagaMandala (written by Girish Karnad)
presented in November 2000 by St. Mary's College, Maryland.