SUTAPA AWON a native of Kolkata was born in the year 1973 and started her dancing career from the age of six in “Surodhani” a noted cultural institution. Later she came under the guidance of Guru Sri Abhoy Pal. Sutapa participated in various dance recitals organised by the West Bengal Dance Group Federation and Koothambalam Productions like “Natya Shastra” and “Manashamangal”. She also participated in various competitions organised by West Bengal Rajya Sangeet Academy and is a recipient of “The Sangeet Prabhakar” (Allahabad). Holding a Masters Degree in History, Sutapa also shows her talent in playing the Sitar and Classical vocal and looks forward to carving a bright career for herself.

Training

• Educated in Bharatnatyam under Shri Abhoy Pal, Director of Koothambalam Cultural Association

• Educated in Traditional Folk Dance under renowned Folk Dance Troupe SARABHUJ (Midnapur)

• Learned Maurbhuj Chow under the guidance of Maurbhuj Chow Nritya Pratisthan (Baripoda)

• Learning Odissi from Rajesh Kar eminent Odissi dance from Balasore (Orissa)

Achievement – Secured Sangeet Prabhakar from Allahabad, received the Young Talent Scholarship Award in Bharatnatyam from Govt. of India (H.R.D.), secured 2^nd position in Youth Festival and secured 2^nd position in the competition of West Bengal State Music Academy.

Choreography & Direction – Selfish Giant, Juta Abiskar, Rasa Basa (Tagore Dance Drama), Addi Puran, Arun Barun Kiranmala, Sabujer Avijan and Nakshi Kathar Math (Written by great poet Jasi Muddin)

Major Performances in India & Abroad

• Performed in Uday Shankar Dance Festival organised by WBDGF in 1999, 2000

• Performed in State Music Festival in 1998

• Performed in Biswa Banga Sammelan in 2000

• Performed in several dance drama in flock form like Amar Desh, Nakshi Kathar Math etc.

• Participated in Classical conference in Balasore organised by Sadhana

• Performed in Dhaka at Bangabandhu Mancha in 2000

• Performed in Delhi Sreeram Centre Auditorium in 2000 organsied by Sahitya Kala Parishad

• Solo performance at Gyan Mancha organised by Koothambalam in June 2000

• Solo performance at Sisir Mancha organised by EZCC in October 2001

• Performed in Shilp Gram Utsav in Udaipur organised by WZCC in 2001

• Performed in BAISHAKHI Folk Dance Festival at Vice President House organised by ICCR (Delhi) in 2002