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"Ragamala's work pulsates with rhythmic excitement and visceral narration of stories both ancient and modern. The gods would have to be crazy not to love this." --Linda Shapiro, St.
Paul Pioneer Press "Srishti makes it vibrantly clear that the ancient dance form is alive in the next generation of artists, confirming [Aparna Ramaswamy's] mesmerizing power as a performer and her stature as a choreographer." --Camille LeFevre,
Minneapolis Star Tribune |
Srishti (Creation), showcases the company in both its vibrant classical and signature contemporary styles. Choreographed by Ragamala Associate Artistic Director and 2002 Bush Artist Fellow Aparna Ramaswamy and rooted in the South Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam, Srishti extends the boundaries of physicality, musicality, and expression.
Srishti opens with a suite of original pieces choreographed by Ms. Ramaswamy in the classical Bharatanatyam form. These pieces embody Ms. Ramaswamy's distinctive choreographic style, delving deep into the complexities of the classical form to create dance that becomes a transcendental, transforming experience.
The evening continues with two unique collaborations that push the boundaries of the classical form. Chaaya is a duet co-choreographed by Ms. Ramaswamy and former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancer Uri Sands. Performed by Ms. Ramaswamy and former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancer Toni Pierce-Sands, this work creates a unique physical interpretation of emotion through movement, music, and space. Laya, composed for the Japanese Taiko drum by Rick Shiomi, weaves the pulsing rhythms of Japanese Taiko drumming with the percussive footwork of Bharatanatyam.
Srishti premiered in September, 2002, at The Southern Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
