Bharata Natyam is one of six classical dance traditions
of India with origins dating back 2000 years. A complex
synthesis of the arts, literature, poetry, sculpture and music it
follows the strict canons laid down in Bharata’s authoritative
treatise 'Natya Shastra' dated 2nd century BC. It evolved
and was nurtured within the sacred precincts of the temples
of South India and handed down the ages through an oral
and visual tradition from Guru (teacher) to Shishya (pupil).
Today, Bharata Natyam is learnt and practised by many,
both in and outside India and this classical art form continues to enhance the aesthetic
perception of diverse people and nations.
Bharata Natyam has two main aspects; Nritta (pure dance), Nritya and Abhinaya
(interpretive dance).Through the use of suggestive facial expressions, codified gestures
of the hand and symbolic poses of the body, the dancer conveys the theme or idea to
the audience and seeks to provide a rich visual and emotional experience.
'Spiritual yet seductive, earthy yet ethereal' said the San Diego Tribune about
Ramya's performance. 25 years of training, discipline, performing, choreography and
teaching have fine tuned Ramya's 'mastery of the idiom'. Her hallmark 'talking through
the dance' in advance have made this art form 'available to everyone' according to
Jean Shaw at Wesleyan University, Connecticut. Small wonder that she has found
tremendous success with children of all ages as a teacher and educator and is a favorite
inclusion on University faculty lectures to demonstrate the art. Through the Arpana
Dance Company she has created a legacy for the art for generations to come.
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