Bharatanatyam Dancer and Pathologist: Balancing Science and Art
People often ask how I balance life between a hospital and the stage. Here is a glimpse into the two worlds that shape my daily rhythm.
And now, it is Dr. Ramya Suresh, MBBS, MD Pathology. This was a huge milestone for me. People often ask how I manage dance and medicine, and my answer is that if you love something, you will always find a way.
In this interview for Aalaap's "& I Dance" series, I talk about how my two professions influence each other. Being a doctor has taught me discipline for my art, and dance has helped me stay sensitive and empathetic in my medical work.
Happy birthday to my two wonderful gurus, Smt. Indira Kadambi and Smt. B. Bhanumati, who coincidentally share a birthday. I am forever grateful for how they have shaped me as a dancer and a human being.
A picture with my dream come true friend, mother, and guru, Smt. Indira Kadambi. Her guidance and support are the foundation of my dance journey.
About My Journey: A Dancer and a Doctor
The transition from a microscope in the pathology lab to the stage for a Bharatanatyam performance is my daily reality. While the disciplines seem worlds apart, both require intense focus and an uncompromising commitment to precision. Whether I am analyzing slides or executing complex adavus, the dedication remains the same. My medical training has sharpened my stage presence, providing the stamina and clear-headedness needed for long recitals.
Many people find it surprising that I pursue pathology and Bharatanatyam with equal fervor. For me, they are two sides of the same coin. In the hospital, my work is rooted in science and clinical accuracy. On stage, it is rooted in emotion and tradition. This balance is not about doing less of one to accommodate the other; it is about bringing the discipline of the lab into the dance studio and the sensitivity of the arts into my medical practice.
Rooted in Tradition
My journey as a dancer has been shaped by the grace and rigor of my gurus, specifically Smt. Indira Kadambi. The style I perform is deeply classical, following the Margam repertoire. I don't see dance as a hobby. It is a professional commitment, just like my work in pathology. This is why you will find the same level of preparation in my performances as you would expect from a medical professional. From the rhythm of the Nattuvangam to the intricate footwork, every detail is considered.
The Dancing Doctor
People often ask how I manage the stress of both. The answer lies in the 'why.' Dance offers me a way to communicate and feel, which balances the clinical nature of my hospital shifts. It allows me to connect with rasikas on a human level that science cannot reach. Whether I am performing in a local Bengaluru auditorium or traveling for a show, I carry this duality with me. It defines who I am and how I perform. If you are looking for an artist who brings both professional rigor and heartfelt expression to the stage, I hope my journey resonates with you.
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