Bharatanatyam Choreography and Performances
A look at my journey through movement, blending traditional technique with contemporary storytelling. Here is how I translate concepts into performance.
This is a moment of perfect synchronicity and balance in a duet performance. I choreograph pieces that not only challenge dancers technically but also create beautiful, memorable stage pictures that tell a story through form and connection.
Abhinaya, or expression, is the soul of my choreography. This clip is from a solo Varnam performance, where I delve into the character's emotions, using facial expressions and gestures to convey the story of love and longing for Lord Rajagopala.
A glimpse into "Sharad - Rising through Fall," my first full-length thematic production. I love taking a concept, like the season of autumn, and weaving a complete narrative through dance, music, and stagecraft, blending classical Bharatanatyam with folk influences.
Crafting duet choreography is about creating a dialogue between two dancers. This pose captures a moment of interaction and shared energy, reflecting a style that emphasizes partnership and complementary movement in performance.
Sharing the stage with my acharya and mother-in-law, Smt. Indira Kadambi, is always a profound experience. This duet explores the dynamic between Radha and Krishna, a theme I often return to, finding new layers of meaning in our shared performance.
Dance is not just for the stage. Here, I explore seven different emotions or 'rasas' while calling out to Krishna, accompanied by my husband on the guitar. This shows how I approach abhinaya as a versatile tool for expression in any setting.
A single expression can tell an entire story. This moment from a performance in New Delhi captures the 'adbhuta rasa' or wonder. My focus in choreography is to create these impactful moments that connect with the audience on an emotional level.
About this collection
When I choreograph a piece, I look at the physical mechanics as much as the emotional arc. My medical background helps me identify specific posture corrections that prevent injury, ensuring that even complex movements feel sustainable and fluid for you during long performances.
My approach to Bharatanatyam is rooted in the training I received from my acharya, Smt. Indira Kadambi, but I constantly look for ways to push creative boundaries. Whether it is a traditional Margam repertoire or a custom thematic production, my goal is to ensure the choreography connects with the audience on a personal level.
The Creative Process
Every project begins with a conversation. We discuss the narrative you want to convey, the specific 'rasa' or emotion you wish to evoke, and the musical structure. For thematic works like my 'Sharad' production, which explored autumn as a metaphor for renewal, I integrate research into literature and poetry alongside movement. This ensures the choreography is not just a sequence of steps, but a coherent story.
Blending Precision and Art
Because I am a pathologist, I view movement through a lens of anatomical awareness. I focus on correcting alignment and posture to ensure that my students and collaborators dance in a way that is safe and physically sustainable. If you are learning a Thillana or a complex Varnam, you will find my teaching style emphasizes not just the visual grace of the movement, but the underlying muscular efficiency needed to sustain it.
Collaboration
I believe dance is a dialogue. Whether we are planning a solo performance, a duet for a festival, or a group ensemble for an arangetram, I work closely with you to refine formations and synchronicity. We spend time on the details, from the facial expressions (abhinaya) to the lighting cues and audio editing, to ensure the final product is stage-ready and authentic to your vision. If you have a concept in mind, let's explore how we can turn it into a reality.
Ramya Suresh
I am Dr. Ramya Suresh, a pathologist by profession and a Bharatanatyam dancer by heart. My work bridges the gap between traditional repertoires and modern thematic storytelling. Whether you are looking for a mentor to guide your choreography or a performer for your event, I bring a structured yet soulful approach to the stage.
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