A multi-ethnic swirl in a globalised world

Kumari Suraj is a non-binary multi-disciplinary performance artist, choreographer, creative director, designer, 2SLGBTQ+ activist, and personality. A vibrant mix of Afro-Caribbean, South Asian, Native American, and European heritage, Kumari’s work reflects their exploration of life and celebration of their cultural background.

Their unique storytelling encourages conversation between contrasting communities and cultural understanding relevant to today’s social climate. Using dance, music, and fashion, Kumari produces safe spaces for women, femmes, people of colour, and the 2SLGBTQ+ community to flourish.

Kumari’s philanthropic, educational and performance artwork spanning over two decades in over 43 countries make them an Icon of Waacking – a vintage club-style dance created in the gay clubs of Los Angeles during the 1970s disco era. In addition, they are the creator and founder of the world’s first queer dance festival, dedicated to Waacking & Ballroom culture, LA’s International Waack/Punk/Pose festival aka Waackfest.

Kumari’s London based artist development program, House of Suraj (HOS) is a seasonal artist development program for 2SLGBTQIA+ dancers and creative movers in the UK. The vibrant HOS community is committed to celebrating dance forms rooted in queer and cultural traditions of the global majority.

In addition to its Artist Development program, HOS is an experience-based lifestyle brand specialising in choreography, creative direction, marketing and production for clients in the arts & entertainment industries.

As an artist the phenom has worked with legendary artists and powerful platforms. HBO MAX, Madonna, Mya, Jody Watley, Nike, World of Dance, Buzzfeed, Star Plus, Revry TV, New York Times and So You Think You Can Dance to name a few.

A (2024) Arts Council of London grant recipient featured artist on the main stage at UK BLACK PRIDE (2023) LEGENDARY on HBO MAX (2022), in the New York Times (2020), and named one of Vogue India’s “Top 50 Most Influential Global Indians'' (2019). Kumari is an artistic force and cultural game-changer who has influenced the entertainment industry and underground cult communities from Hollywood to Bollywood and beyond.

Kumari, consults start-ups, luxury brands, media houses, fashion brands and retail companies on how to expand their presence to international marketplaces using their signature aesthetic that connects diverse cultural audiences.