INDIANAPOLIS: Samyoga Performing Arts presented an exquisite dance production, 'New Dimensions to the Margam,' featuring the renowned dancer Smt. Rama Vaidyanathan, Vaishnavi Dhore, Kavya Ganesh, Reshika Sivakumar and Shubhamani Chandrashekhar at Warren Performing Arts Center, 9500 E 16th Street, Indianapolis.
Rama Vaidyanathan is one of the foremost Bharatanatyam dancers of her generation.
She trained intensively under the legendary dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy and the celebrated Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan. Other artists who performed were Sri Anurag lakhmanan as the vocalist, Sri. Ashwin Subramanian in Nattuvangam, Vishwesh Swaminadhan in the violin and Sannidhi Vaidyanathan in the mridangam.
The “Margam” in the Bharatanatyam classical dance tradition is a basic set of compositions that a student learns from the Guru. The term “Margam” which means path in Sanskrit, is the journey that a practitioner embarks upon once the training begins. It begins with simple and direct composition describing the Gods and Goddesses, followed by more complex compositions exploring various emotions and movement dynamics.
The path culminates to a crescendo of heightened fast paced movements that is symbolic of a final burst of joy and vibrancy when a journey ends. The “Margam” provides the bedrock for a dancer to grasp and imbibe the Bharatanatyam’s grammar and core principles.
In “New Dimensions to Margam” Rama Vaidyanathan the choreographer and the chief dancer, explores a fresh perspective to the collection of dance compositions that comprise the “Margam”. She explores new themes in different languages, which have never been seen in a Bharatanatyam performance. She uses time, space, music and movement with a contemporary approach, to add a fresh impetus to the traditional “Margam”.
In a performance career spanning 40 years Rama Vaidyanathan has had the distinction of having performed before three former Presidents of India at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. She is an A grade artiste with Doordarshan and is in the outstanding category of artistes with the ICCR. She has represented India in several festivals abroad, most recently being the "Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" in Spain, organised by the ICCR.
She has traveled extensively to Indian rural areas through SPICMACAY to introduce classical dance to rural children. she has been awarded with many awards and titles, including the Central Sangeet Nataka Akademi Puraskar. She has received the "Kalaimamani" award from Govt of Tamil Nadu, "Kalashree" from Govt of Kerala, and the Kumar Gandharv Puraskar from the Govt of Madhya Pradesh.
As the Vice President of Ganesa Natyalaya New Delhi, she has been actively engaged in teaching, balancing a hectic performance schedule while conducting workshops and master classes all over the world, inspiring a whole generation of dancers.
Samyoga Performing Arts, a non-profit organization based in Indiana, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian Classical Dance and Music. Founded by Aparna Satheesan, Artistic Director of Samyoga School of Dance, Carmel, in an effort to support artists and use art as a medium for community enrichment and giving back.
Through workshops, performances, and community events, we provide a nurturing platform for both established and budding talents. Beyond the stage, we believe in the power of art to bring positive change to communities. Collaborative efforts with local organizations aim to create a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Aparna Satheesan is a graceful and gifted Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer and teacher. She is the Artistic Director of Samyoga School of Dance in Indianapolis, well known globally for her ability to use creativity in presenting innovative ideas through multiple classical dance forms of India.
She has over 25 years of experience in the dance field and has over 500 performances to her credit. She is trained in seven different Indian classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Ottam Thullal, Kerala Nadanam and Folk dance. Aparna's exceptional ability in dance draws a great connection between the physical and emotional aspects.