Tamarind Arts Council is pleased to announce Bharathnatyam performance by Ramya Ramnarayan, a rising star on the classical Indian dance scene, on January 28, 2009, 6:30 to 8:30pm. Event is free to the public.
To attend RSVP to rsvp@tamarindarts.org or call 212-200-8000 press “0”
Ramya Ramnarayan
Ms. Ramya Ramnarayan is a Bharathanatyam performer, choreographer, and educator who studied Bharatha Natyam and Abhinaya under renowned lineage of Guru Swamimalai Rajaratnam and Padmabhushan Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan. She has carved her niche among most creative leading dancers from India thru sincere dedication towards tradition coupled with much needed adaptive innovation for contemporary times.
As a Bharatanatyam dancer, Ramya's sole objective is to promote and spread awareness of Indian Classical Dance form. She endeavors to achieve her goal thru her own production company and school called Nrithyanjali, based in North Brunswick, New Jersey. Over the years she has organized fundraisers and has donated thousands of dollars various charities such as Tsunami Relief Fund, the American Red Cross, Wellness Community Center, Easton Hospital, Kids Peace America, Free the Children, North Brunswick Public Library, Guruvayoor Appan Sannidhi, and Ranganatha Seva Samithi.
Ramya has won the much coveted “Kalaimamani” and “Nadanamamani” titles. The Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey have passed a joint resolution recognizing Ramya Ramnarayan for her commitment, dedication and achievement in the art of Indian Classical Dance. She has the distinction of being the first non-resident Indian to win such testimonies. She has received a special award from the Cleveland Aradhana Committee, the honorable title Nrithya Seva Mani (2008). The Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation and NEA have awarded her the prestigious Artist Fellowship Award for Choreography (2008) in recognition of her creative talent. Ramya has been appointed by the Governor of New Jersey as the Board of Trustees for the Asian American Study Foundation a New Jersey State Organization (2008).
What the press says:
Ramya Ramnarayan from the U.S. is a renowned dance guru and her Bharathanatyam recital had the characteristics of an experienced dancer. Ramya breezed through her Varnam with ease exploiting every possibility for abhinaya. The essence of viyoga shringara was brought out convincingly by Ramya through the Varnam. The padams that followed were enchanting. The best, however, was ‘Vishamakkaara Kannan’ by Oothukkadu Venkatakavi. Ramya acted out the antics of Krishna so well that that the spectators were heard exclaiming. The Hindu 2008
Ramya a student of late Swamimalai K Rajaratnam, has managed to retain her hold on chaste Bharatanatyam of his brand, in spite of being in the US for the past decade or so. This speaks well of the foundation he laid, and also her taste and loyalty. This is noticeable in the choice of her items, costume, choreography and execution. No. She is not a tarnished mirror of the past but an enterprising innovator who knows how to combine the oldest of adavus in new patterns to create a surge of joy in the minds of traditionalists, retaining the ability to please those who want something new. Chennai Online 2008
Ramya Ramnarayan’s performance was very well done, with the dignity and commanded and seamless movements. The Adavus were executed completely, which was beautiful to watch - nothing was left incomplete, even in the higher speeds. The choreography was mostly traditional, but with much more of the steps in 'muzhu manDi'(full squat) - a testimonial to the artist's knees! Rasikas.org
About Tamarind Art Council
Tamarind Arts Council (TAC) is a non-profit 501 ( c ) ( 3) organization dedicated to promoting art of Indian influence in North America. Our focus is to support all types of artistic expression, including performing arts and fine arts inspired by the arts of India. We also sponsor art-related activities and cross-cultural events that expand the audience for Indian art and culture.
Our mission is to inspire the work of contemporary Indian artists and performers and to facilitate public appreciation of these unique cultural art forms. We regularly host art exhibitions, performing arts, book launches, lectures, and other cultural programs. We have become a nexus for many art organizations. As part of our on-going efforts, we support art museums, cultural communities and non-profit organizations around the globe. In addition to showcasing high caliber art, Tamarind Art is a resource centre for gaining an understanding of Indian art, artists, and other areas of interest to individuals, businesses and art investors.
We are proud to announce our sponsorship of The Museum of Modern Art's film exhibition INDIA NOW, a bi-annual program begun in 2007 that will be presented again at MoMA in June 2009. Other sponsorships include: Festival of India with WMI featuring Shivkumar Sharma and Zakir Husain. Masters of Indian Music-Rahul Sharma & Zakir Husain with WMI, Nov. 2007. Prema Murthy, Fuzzy Logic Exhibition at P.S. 1 MoMA from June – Sept 2007. Contemporary Photography and Video Art “India Public Places/Private Spaces”, at the Newark Museum of Art, Sept 07- Jan. 2008.
Our most successful and well received exhibition was the the beginning of this year, and exhibition entitled “Gandhi-The Legacy”, done in collaboration with Philip Glass Opera and Satya Graha Forum, was a photography exhibition that captures nostalgic view of Gandhi’s true legacy. 10 April – 3 May 2008.
For more information contact Tamarind Art Council at 212-200-8000 or admin@tamarindarts.org 142 East 39th Street, New York, NY 10016 * www.tamarindarts.org
142 E 39 Street, New York 10016 T: 212 200 8000 # 105 www.tamarindarts.org