Swaroopa Unni, Dance Night, Dunedin, New Zealand. Photo by Marelda O’Rourke Gallaher.

SWAROOPA UNNI

EarthSong is a solo Mohiniyattam dance work exploring ecology and the profound relationship between women and the natural world. Drawing on Kerala’s and Perth’s cultural heritage and environmental landscapes, the project uses Mohiniyattam’s fluid movement vocabulary and expressive storytelling to embody cycles of growth, decay, resilience and renewal.

During this residency, Unni investigates how the traditional dance form can engage contemporary ecological concerns while maintaining its artistic integrity. Through movement, the project reflects on women’s experiences as caregivers, knowledge holders, and agents of environmental change, exploring themes of ecological fragility, interdependence and care.

The residency will support choreographic research, experimentation with natural soundscapes and the development of an immersive performance environment. Inspired by the landscapes of the Mundaring region, the project connects cultural heritage with urgent environmental questions through an embodied artistic practice.

ARTIST BIO

Swaroopa Prameela Unni is an Indian-born, Aotearoa and Australia-based dance artist, choreographer and educator. Trained in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, her work explores identity, belonging, and feminist narratives through traditional and contemporary performance. She founded Natyaloka School of Indian Dance in Dunedin, where she developed a significant body of choreographic work and contributed to the local arts community. Now based in Boorloo (Perth), her recent performances include I AM, Perth Festival, Qtopia Sydney, Adelaide Fringe, The Blueroom Theatre Season and Fremantle Biennale 2025. .

Unni was a 2025 Make A Start resident artist with Lucy Guerin Inc (2025) and a resident artist with Arts and Culture Trust WA.