Behind the Scenes: My Bharatanatyam Creative Process
Step into my studio to see how a performance comes to life. This is where I develop choreography, refine Abhinaya, and work with musicians to build a story from the ground up.
Every class with my guru is a process of cleansing and discovery. This is where I refine my technique and explore new movements that later find their way into my choreography.
Rehearsing for "Karunaada Maanye," a piece based on a Kannada poem about the River Cauvery. You can see the live musicians and my guru guiding the session, which is how we bring a new concept to life.
A rehearsal for a Margazhi season performance in Chennai. This is where I work on the nuances of a Varnam, ensuring every step and expression is polished before the show.
A glimpse of a rehearsal in my home studio. The creative process involves hours of practice to perfect the choreography and synchronize it with the live music.
Here I am practicing Nattuvangam, the art of wielding the cymbals and reciting rhythmic syllables. Understanding the rhythmic structure from this perspective is crucial to my choreography.
About this collection
Before the curtain rises, my studio becomes a space for constant refinement. Whether I am practicing Nattuvangam to lock in rhythmic transitions or working with my Guru, Smt. Indira Kadambi, to deepen the Abhinaya in a new piece, this is where the story truly takes shape. It is a process of stripping away the non-essential, ensuring that every movement carries the right rasa.
My choreography process is rarely linear. It begins with a concept—a poem, a mythological narrative, or a theme like the Cauvery river—and involves extensive research into literature and verses. Once the framework is set, I collaborate with musicians to ensure the audio matches the mood. The actual teaching involves long hours of rehearsal, focusing on anatomical posture and rhythmic precision. Because of my medical background, I pay close attention to the mechanics of the body to ensure movements are both expressive and sustainable. Whether I am setting a traditional Varnam or building a full thematic production from scratch, my goal is to guide you through this journey. We do not just learn steps; we script the emotion. If you are preparing for an Arangetram or a festival performance and want a process that values both the science of movement and the soul of the story, we can create something meaningful together.
Ramya Suresh
I am Dr. Ramya Suresh, a pathologist by day and a Bharatanatyam dancer by passion. I believe in a creative process that respects tradition while allowing for fresh storytelling, guided always by the wisdom of my Amma and Guru, Smt. Indira Kadambi.
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