ABOUT CHITRA: Chitra Subramanian, an Indian American dancer, choreographer, and educator based in Washington, DC, blends Hip Hop and Bharathanatyam to create unique, non-mainstream dance works. She teaches and performs with chitra.MOVES, engaging diverse audiences through storytelling and artistic elevation. Her work, rooted in Hip Hop and influenced by her immigrant background, focuses on community themes and showcases how cultural movements come together. Chitra has taught and choreographed extensively, including creating the sold-out show “TEMPLE” and most recently premiering “LINKED” at the Atlas Theater. She also leads the Rooting the Dance Hip Hop Dance Class Series, emphasizing women's stories in the DC street dance scene. Her performances have featured at prestigious venues like the John F. Kennedy Center, Kelly Strayhorn Theater, and the Ladies of Hip-Hop Festival.
HER CLASS AT THE VICINITY: Indian Classical dance (Bharatanatyam) and Hip Hop culture are the foundation of Chitra's technique and movement languages. Open to all levels and experiences, Chitra's classes are dynamic, relational, and high energy - offering footwork rhythms, bounces & grooves, and full-body movements that encourage release and an organic connection to the music.
Class components typically include an in-depth warm-up with special attention on cultivating expressive energy with the arms, hands, and feet; improvisation and concept explorations; and oftentimes demonstration through choreography. Chitra's aim is to make class a unique community experience, where she shares and learns from the community to help build, refine, and deepen her artistic process.