Behind the Scenes of Ragamala Dance Company's Children of Dharma

Founded in 1992 by Ranee Ramaswamy, Ragamala Dance Company is a Minneapolis-based organization dedicated to honoring and redefining a personal vision for the South Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam. Ranee originally envisioned the company as a gift to her eldest daughter Aparna Ramaswamy, believing that Aparna “was a dancer in her previous birth,” (NPR). As executive artistic director, Aparna skillfully weaves the rich traditions and philosophical depth of Bharatanatyam with her perspective as a first-generation Indian American. The family dynamic continues with Ashwini Ramaswamy, Ranee’s youngest daughter and the company’s current choreographic associate. Drawing from her family’s passion, Ashwini's "imagination [makes] space, not just for more generations but for more ways of thinking," (The New York Times). Learn more about this special family and dance company in this video overview.

The founders and artists of Ragamala Dance Company offer audiences profound explorations of humanity through dance and storytelling. Their work, Children of Dharma, a Northrop Centennial Commission, draws on some of the most enduring sources in Indian and Hindu history. At its core is the classic epic The Mahabharata, believed to have been originally compiled between 400 BCE and 200 CE, and now existing in a multitude of languages and formats. This ancient work is a timeless meditation on action and consequence, and applies to crises over the ages, from environmental devastation and oppression to unjust wars. Why does war unleash the animal in man? What have we done to our relationship with the natural world? In Ragamala’s words, “the power of ancient cultures is vitally relevant—to connect us to our ancestors, to harmonize, to heal, and to reaffirm the existence of beauty and truth.” Watch the official trailer for Children of Dharma, before the world premiere at Northrop on Nov 2. 

Translated to English as closely as possible, Bharatanatyam (pronounced BUR-uh-tuh-NAHT-yiam) derives from four Sanskrit symbols meaning “expression, melody, rhythm, and dance” (The Kennedy Center). Beyond the literal translation, this intricate dance form utilizes a deep understanding of humanity that comes with age and experience. Ranee Ramaswamy describes how “at 40, [Bharatanatyam dancers] are still considered young” (Dance Magazine). The dancers and leaders within Ragamala Dance Company are storytellers—and storytellers, along with their tales rooted in history, only grow in importance and wisdom as the years pass. Music is essential to the rhythmic and melodic aspects of the performance, and this production at Northrop includes an original score created and recorded in conjunction with the development of the work.

Ranee Ramaswamy knows the power of our eyes when it comes to performing arts, describing how “when someone uses their eyes well, you feel they are dancing for you” (Dance Magazine). In Bharatanatyam, there are eight classifications of eye movements known as Drishthi Bedha. Each movement holds a different meaning to express emotions, which further enhance the story. Dance itself has proven to enhance performers' eye dexterity. A 2018 study found that Bharatanatyam dance experts have a faster ability to process choreography and predict the progression of movements than novices. With 28 single-handed gestures and 24 double-handed gestures called mudras, Bharatanatyam also relies on dancers’ ability to express themselves through hand movements. Combined, the effect is magical.

Children of Dharma will transport audiences to a mesmerizing realm, thanks to scenic and lighting designer Willy Cessa. An internationally renowned French designer, Cessa is celebrated for creating immersive visual experiences. With over two decades of collaboration with various artists and institutions, his designs enhance the storytelling of Children of Dharma, illuminating the emotional and moral complexities of the narrative. Cessa previously worked with Ragamala on Fires of Varanasi, which graced the Northrop stage in 2022, where he transformed the stage into a vibrant reflection of the iconic riverbanks (Ramaswamy). Explore Cessa’s transformative artistry through his online portfolio. Join us on Nov 2 for Children of Dharma, an unforgettable exploration of dance, family, and the enduring questions of humanity.