Meet UB Alum Gaitrie Subryan – Performing Artist and Art Director

Gaitrie (Ramnarine) Subryan

Gaitrie Subryan is a performing artist, Founder & Artistic Director of Devi Performing Arts and a Teaching Artist. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Psychology and Communication in 2006.

What do you do as a Performing Artist and Artistic Director? 

As a performing artist and artistic director, I focus on creating dynamic performances that blend traditional Indian dance forms like Kathak and Bollywood with modern contemporary storytelling. I choreograph and perform with the aim of promoting cultural education and bridging artistic traditions. In addition to my work with Devi Performing Arts, I collaborate with institutions such as the UB Dance Department, Buffalo State, and Niagara University, where I share my training and choreography with students. Through these partnerships, I bring my expertise in Indian classical dance to a broader audience, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and artistic growth. My role as artistic director involves guiding productions from concept to stage, while also developing workshops and performances that inspire and engage diverse communities.

What is your educational background and how did it influence you to go into the arts industry? What Organizations, clubs or internships were you involved in during college? How did those experiences help prepare you for your current role?

I graduated with a BA in Psychology and Communications, which gave me a deep understanding for human behavior, communication, and how people express emotions. This educational background naturally influenced my decision to enter the arts industry, where I could combine my passion for dance with my knowledge of how movement and creative expression can have a profound impact on emotional wellbeing. In 2019 I had the opportunity to be introduced to Dance Movement Therapy and it helped to solidify my belief in the power of dance as a therapeutic and transformative tool. During college, I was actively involved in cultural organizations, which allowed me to explore different forms of artistic expression and collaborate with others who shared a passion for the arts. These experiences helped me develop leadership and collaborative skills, as well as a greater appreciation for cultural diversity in artistic practices. These foundational experiences were essential in preparing me for my current role as a Performing Artist and Artistic Director, where I lead productions, teach and engage communities through dance.

What, if anything, do you wish you would have known prior to entering into this industry? 

One thing I wish I had known prior to entering the arts and cultural industry is how crucial business and marketing skills would be in sustaining a creative career. While passion, creativity, and technical skills are essential, understanding the business side; like managing finances, building a brand, and reaching an audience, is equally important. I also wish I had known how to navigate the challenges of balancing artistry with the administrative work required for growth, which includes grant writing, program development, and networking. It’s also helpful to anticipate the personal resilience needed to handle the ebb and flow of opportunities.

What are the biggest challenges that you typically face in your career?

Some of the biggest challenges I typically face in my career include:

  1. Sustainability and Funding: Securing consistent financial support through grants, sponsorships, or program fees is always a challenge. As much as the arts are valued, funding can be unpredictable and often competitive, especially for independent artists and small cultural organizations.
  2. Audience Engagement: Building and maintaining a diverse and engaged audience can be difficult, particularly when introducing traditional forms like Kathak or Indian dance to new communities. It requires constant innovation in marketing, social media, and public outreach to draw people in and sustain their interest.
  3. Balancing Art and Administration: Wearing multiple hats as a choreographer, teacher, performer, and business owner means balancing the creative work with the administrative tasks like bookkeeping, scheduling, and program planning. It’s tough to dedicate enough time to both sides without one being compromised.
  4. Cultural Representation and Misunderstanding: Promoting and preserving cultural authenticity while making traditional art forms accessible to wider audiences can be challenging. There’s always a fine line between staying true to one’s roots and adapting to the needs of a modern, often Western, audience.
  5. Time Management and Burnout: Juggling various roles; teaching, running a business, and working on creative projects; often leads to long hours and the risk of burnout. Managing time efficiently while also taking care of mental and physical well-being can be tricky.

What advice do you have for anyone that would want to pursue a career in the arts?

For anyone pursuing a career in the arts, I would offer the following advice:

Cultivate Your Craft: Your talent and passion are the foundation of your career, so always continue to refine your skills. Whether it’s through classes, workshops, or self-practice, being a lifelong learner will help you grow both artistically and personally.

Embrace the Business Side: It’s crucial to develop business skills early on, including marketing, finance, networking, and grant writing. Your artistic vision is important, but so is your ability to sustain your career through strategic planning and outreach.

Build a Strong Network: Relationships are key in the arts industry. Collaborate with other artists, mentors, and professionals, and be open to partnerships. The connections you make will lead to opportunities and creative growth.

Be Resilient and Adaptable: The arts industry is often unpredictable. You may face setbacks, funding issues, or creative challenges, so it’s important to be resilient and flexible. Stay true to your vision but be open to evolving your approach.

Diversify Your Skills: Consider broadening your skill set beyond your core art form. Whether it’s learning social media marketing, teaching, or expanding into another art discipline, having multiple avenues for expression can provide stability and new opportunities.

Know Your ‘Why’: Understand your purpose for pursuing a career in the arts. Whether it’s to inspire, teach, or create change, knowing your deeper motivation will help you stay focused and driven, especially during tough times.

Take Care of Yourself: The arts can be emotionally and physically demanding. Prioritize your well-being to avoid burnout. Build a support system, practice self-care, and make time to recharge.

Be Patient: Success in the arts doesn’t always happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and persistence to build a sustainable career. Celebrate small wins along the way and trust the process.

If a UB student wanted to talk with you, what is the best way to reach you?      

I am on Connect-a-Bull, UB’s new alumni-student networking platform and on LinkedIn.

NOTE: if you are a UB student or alumnus who would like to connect with others to give or get career insights you can join Connect-a-Bull. Interested in sharing your career story with UB students by answering questions like Gaitre?  Email Ed Brodka, UB Career Design Consultant, at brodka@buffalo.edu.

By Ed Brodka
Ed Brodka Career Design Consultant