Today we’d like to introduce you to Surya.
Hi Surya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hey what’s up guys?! My name is Surya Ramanathan, but I also go by Sunny. I’m primarily a self-taught dancer from Hershey, Pennsylvania. My main styles are hip-hop and breaking, with a strong focus on footwork and floorwork but I perform Bollywood and Bhangra as well. Dance has been a big part of how I express myself, and even going through school and having a full time job, I’ve developed my style over time through practice, experimentation, and learning from others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of my personal struggles have been facing some physical injuries, overthinking and racing thoughts. But I’d say one of the biggest struggles I’ve faced has been learning to open up and connect with others. I’m naturally pretty shy and reserved, and for much of my dance journey I’ve been more of a lone wolf. Over time, though, dance has slowly helped me step outside of my comfort zone and become more comfortable sharing myself and start to connect with people.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m primarily a dancer who prefers to stay close the ground within the Indian dance community, and I’d say one of the things that sets me apart is my background in breaking. It’s not nearly as common in the Indian dance scene, where many dancers tend to have stronger foundations in styles like Hip-hop, Bollywood, South Indian dance, Bhangra, or Indian classical. Because of that, breaking gives me a unique way to stand out, bring something different to the floor, and introduce people to a style they may not see as often.
How do you think about luck?
From my perspective, I think luck has played a role in my dance journey, especially in the people I’ve met and the things I’ve learned. There have been moments where being in the right place at the right time introduced me to new dancers, communities, and experiences that I probably wouldn’t have found on my own. At the same time, I’ve learned that luck only takes you so far. A lot of my growth has come from consistently practicing, slowly putting myself out there, and continuing even when progress felt slow. I think the best opportunities usually come from a mix of being fortunate enough to encounter them and being prepared when they arrive.
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