Performances Available for Booking "A presenter's dream... Ragamala eloquently demonstrates the power of the arts to unite a community." --Lian Farrer, Director of Education, State Theatre, New Brunswick, New Jersey Full Letter Ragamala offers any of the following works in conjunction with an opening classical suite to illustrate the journey of Bharatanatyam from the temples of South India to the theaters of today. Performances may also include a pre- or post-show discussion with the Artistic Director.

New! Sva (Vital Force) Ragamala's new collaboration with taiko drumming group Wadaiko Ensemble TOKARA of Nagano, Japan, explores the spiritual kinships between Indian and Japanese traditions. 6 dancers; 4 drummers

Sethu (Bridge) VIDEO CLIP Commissioned by Walker Art Center (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Sethu (Bridge) is a pioneering global spectacle that brings together Bharatanatyam and Kecak, the rhythmic vocal tradition of Bali, to create a stunning presentation of the Indian epic Ramayana. 6 dancers; live music; chorus

	From Temple to Theater: Excerpts from Repertoire VIDEO CLIP Ragamala's stunning range of work is set to diverse musical influences, from the soulful classical music of India to the thundering Taiko drums of Japan, from stirring original poetry set to Western piano to the á cappella vocalizations of Zap Mama. 5 - 7 dancers; live music by arrangement
	Samarpanam: An Evening of Bharatanatyam Experience the purity and ecstasy of internationally renowned master dancer/choreographer Alarmel Valli's choreography in the classical Pandanallur style of Bharatanatyam, presented in a traditional, solo concert format by her foremost disciple, Aparna Ramaswamy. Through compelling movements, formal rigor, intricate footwork, and dramatic spontaneity, Samarpanam illuminates the unique harmony that exists between kinetic energy and lyrical grace. Solo or ensemble performance (up to 5 dancers); live music by arrangement
	Body & Soul: A Tribute to the Music of Billie Holiday Bharatanatyam and Jazz Ragamala Music and Dance Theater transforms the stage into a jazz-age speakeasy, with live music and the soulful melodies of Billie Holiday. Ragamala's newest collaborative project--with Ranee Ramaswamy's choreography, based in the emotional, narrative tradition of Bharatanatyam, and Charmin Michelle's evocative and smooth vocal style--is pure heart. Body & Soul is a dynamic evening of theaer that will have audiences dancing in the aisles! 3 dancers, vocalist; live music
	Bhakti (Devotion) An exploration of mystical, musical poetry by two female saint-poets--Andal of 8th century India and Hildegard von Bingen of 11th century Germany--set to a haunting, evocative score that uniquely pairs Medieval and South Indian classical vocal styles. 5 - 6 dancers; live music by arrangement
	Sangam In Sangam, the Ragamala company and three modern dancers deconstruct the ancient vocabulary of Bharatanatyam and use it as an inspiration to evoke modern movement. Set to music by virtuoso music ensemble, Speaking in Tongues. 9 dancers; live music by arrangement
	Return of the Rainseed Inspired by a modern folk tale from India, this production combines theater, dance, music, and English narration in the story of a young girl who saves her village by defeating the demon who has swallowed the Rainseed. Evening-length or 50 minutes for young audiences 5 - 6 dancers; popular with families and children
	The Transposed Heads Bharatanatyam and American Sign Language (ASL) Based on an ancient Indian tale that inspired Thomas Mann's novella of the same name, The Transposed Heads tells the story of a woman torn between her love for a man ruled by his physicality and a man who is intellectually brilliant. Ranee Ramaswamy and Deaf actor Nicole Zapko have collaborated to create an amazing theatrical experience that juxtaposes the beauty of the gestural language of classical Bharatanatyam and American Sign Language. With English narration; created for Deaf and hearing audiences Dancer, actor, narrator; live music

Kathambam Joined in choreography and performance by five of the Twin Cities' finest dancemakers--Danny Buraczeski (jazz), Joe Chvala (tap), Susana di Palma (flamenco), Wynn Fricke (modern), and Lise Houlton (ballet)--Ranee Ramaswamy uses her choreography, based in the classical South Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam, as a thread that weaves five diverse disciplines together. 8 dancers

A Painting in Motion Music, dance, poetry, and original murals bring to life the miniature paintings of fifteenth century India. This evocative and stunning performance is played against a background of six hand-painted scenes and incorporates North Indian classical music and English-language poetry. 3-5 dancers

Outreach and Commissioning Options

K-12 Educational Programs Ragamala offers one of the most respected and sought-after residency programs in the country, encouraging students to explore the arts and culture of India while inspiring them to respect diversity. Topics include Introduction to India, Movement and Rhythm, Folk Dances of India, Kolam: Floor Drawings of South India, Festivals of India, Slideshow: Daily Life in India, Foods of India: It's Not All Curry, and Indian Music.

	Community Educational Programs Any of Ragamala's diverse educational programs may be presented in a variety of settings, including community centers, senior citizens' homes, and libraries.
	Museum Programs Ragamala works with museums and galleries to present performances, lectures, and workshops based on the institutions' Indian art collections.
	College and University Programs Ragamala works closely with the departments of Dance, Drama, Asian Studies, Music, Religious Studies, Women's Studies, History, or English to tailor workshops and lecture topics.

Bharatanatyam Workshops Ranee Ramaswamy and Aparna Ramaswamy conduct workshops and residencies in the traditional Pandanallur style for all levels of Bharatanatyam dancers.

Past Performances by Ragamala

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For performances outside Minnesota, Ragamala is represented by Siegel Artist Management.