Suchi Branfman

Suchi began teaching at Scripps 18 years ago and since then has continued her amazing artivist workout in Claremont and beyond. She lives and works in Santa Monica when she is not commuting to Claremont. In Santa Monica she is an Arts Commissioner for the city putting together shows and community events. Suchi is known for her work as a choreographer, dancer, teacher, and activist. Her more recent work in the community is through the Prison Education Project which she got involved with a few years ago as a guest lecturer, but since then has continued her work as a 5 year art residency. Her love of teaching and learning shines through all of her work and her persistent dedication to prison reform and rehabilitation is admirable. We were lucky we got the opportunity to sit down and talk to her about her life’s work as well as build an archive so many people to come can learn about her impact.

Suchi has worked nationally and internationally as a performer, choreographer, dance educator, and activist. Her work has received support from numerous arts funders including National Endowment for the Arts, California Arts Council, New York State Council for the Arts, and Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department. She currently teaches at Scripps College and Art Center College of Design and serves as an Arts Commissioner for the City of Santa Monica. Suchi's work, as solo performer and as Artistic Director of the multicultural women's dance collectives Crowsfeet and Wallflower Order, has received national and international acclaim. Suchi teaches modern dance technique, improvisation, and repertory at Scripps.