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"As our cultural ambassadors... Ragamala eloquently demonstratedthe power of the arts to unite a community." --Lian
Farrer, Vice President of Education |
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Ragamala Music and Dance Theater offers one of the most respected and sought-after residency programs in the country. Artistic Director Ranee Ramaswamy has gained a national reputation for offering a diverse range of community and school programs that encourage students to explore the arts and culture of India while inspiring them to respect diversity. |
K-12 Educational Programs“I find [Ranee Ramaswamy] to be a very gifted teacher who ignites creativity in children in dance and art. …Of all of the many excellent visiting artists that FAME has had in the past, Ranee Ramaswamy and Ragamala Music and Dance Theater ranks as one of the most impressive in professional performance, appropriate material for children, and educational impact.” --Dorothy
K. Kittaka |
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Ragamala conducts extensive educational outreach programs for K-12 students through performances, assemblies, workshops, residencies, and lecture demonstrations. Tailored to the age, skill-level, interests, and curriculum of the participants, these beautiful, educational, and fun-filled sessions instill a basic understanding of Indian arts and culture. Topics may includeIntroduction to India, Movement and Rhythm, Indian Music, Folk Dances of India, Kolam: Floor Drawings of South India, Festivals of India, Myths and Folktales of India, Daily Life in India, Foods of India Residencies may culminate in a performance by the students. |
Community Educational Programs |
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"We will talk about this for years. [Ragamala's residnecy] is something we will always remember." --Mary Noel Any of Ragamala's diverse educational programs may be presented in a variety of settings, including community centers, senior citizens' homes, and libraries. |
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Museum Programs |
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"Ranee Ramaswamy gave excellent explanations about what we were about to see. This educational component was instrumental in teaching our volunteer guides about the cultural and religious context for Indian art as well as showing them the complexity and beauty of this art form." --Debra L.
Hegstrom
Ragamala works with museums and galleries to present performances, lectures, and workshops based on the institutions' Indian art collections. |
College and University Programs"Even had I not seen for myself how talented you were in working with the students in my beginning acting class, I would not be in doubt about the success of your residency. I have heard nothing but the highest praise from professors in the Religion, History and Music Departments as well. The performance aspect of your residency was also a resounding success. ... I have taught at Lake Forest College for fifteen years and I've never seen a standing ovation the likes of which you received." |
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--Dr.
Louise Mason
Ragamala's college residencies are customized to reflect the maturity and interests of the students. Residency activities can be structured around Indian dance, drama, music, religion and mythology, and literature. Artistic Director Ranee Ramaswamy works closely with the institution to integrate the residency into one of the college's Arts or Humanities departments, including the following departments: Dance |
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Bharatanatyam Workshops |
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Ranee Ramaswamy and Aparna Ramaswamy conduct workshops, master classes, and residencies in the traditional Pandanallur style for all levels of Bharatanatyam dancers. Ranee and Aparna are senior disciples of internationally renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer Alarmel Valli of Chennai, India. They are committed to upholding Ms. Valli's unique and exquisite tradition, and passing it on to a new generation of dancers. |
Choreographic Commissions"A multi-layered and stunningly beautiful collaboration, Ragamala's Sethu was one of the true highlights of recent years for us here at the Walker Art Center…. All of us at the Walker were proud to have commissioned and presented the premiere performances of Sethu." |
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--Philip
Bither
Ragamala enthusiastically collaborates with dancers and musicians of all styles and is available to set Bharatanatyam-based choreography on professional companies and students of college/university dance departments. Ranee Ramaswamy's choreographic collaborations have involved flamenco, African-American, and tap dance companies. Recent commissions include Zenon Dance Company of Minneapolis, and the internationally renowned Walker Art Center. |
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