RAGAMALA DANCE is a nationally and internationally acclaimed company that unfolds the beauty, elegance, poetry, and driving rhythmic complexities of Bharatanatyam, the ancient classical dance of southern India. Artistic Directors Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy bring to audiences a synthesis of the philosophy, mythology, and spirituality of India. With each new project, they push the boundaries of Bharatanatyam and strive to answer the question of what it means to be 21st century choreographers working within a classical, culturally-based tradition.
Ragamala offers one of the most respected residency programs in the country, encouraging students to explore the arts and culture of India while inspiring them to respect diversity. The company has commissioned several acclaimed artists of diverse backgrounds, including Japan-based taiko group Waidaiko Ensemble Tokara, and Bali-based Kecak artist I Dewa Putu Berata.
AVAILABLE FOR TOURING: SVA (Vital Force), with either a taped score or live drumming by Wadaiko Ensemble Tokara of Nagano, Japan. This collaboration between two culturally-based art forms—Japanese Taiko and Bharatanatyam, an ancient classical dance form from southern India—brings the driving percussion and sweeping physicality of the Tokara drummers into conversation with the complex rhythms and athletic precision of Ragamala’s work. Inspired by ancient texts from India and Japan, SVA explores the kinships between the two art forms and the spiritual traditions from which they emerge.
Dhvee (Duality) is a global collaboration, the second phase in an ongoing collaboration between Ragamala Dance and Cudamani of Pengoseken Village, Bali. Based on the ancient epic Ramayana, this work will premiere at the Bali International Arts Festival in June 2009 and at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in October 2009.
Samarpanam (Offering) is an evening of classical Bharatanatyam featuring soloist Aparna Ramaswamy. Groomed in the classical Pandanallur style of Bharatanatyam by her guru, renowned dancer/choreographer Alarmel Valli, this evening of classical solo dance illuminates the unique harmony that exists between kinetic energy and lyrical grace.
Ragamala has won wide critical acclaim for its work: "only uncommonly open, creative minds could have dreamed up Bhakti." "Ragamala astounds audiences with works that expand one's perceptions of dance, cross-cultural collaboration, and spiritual meaning." Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE