“Will Shiva perhaps turn and look back at me?” , she asked herself. “Will he walk down this street?” The anticipation of a young girl in love is beautifully expressed in the lyrics of this song. “Teruvil Vaarano”.
In Bharatanatyam , we use the lyrics as a guiding light, but add layers of subtext and emotion. It is not ‘mime’ . We don’t literally represent the lyrics but follow an interpretation of the emotional journey of a character. Though the literal meaning of the lyrics is as I have written above…. In this video excerpt… this is what the character is saying – thinking-
“When he turns, will the snake around his neck also turn and look at me? Oh my god! That would be incredible… ”
Each time the lyrics repeat we emote the subtext… this seems simple enough …. But it also needs to follow a lot of rules. Rhythm, aesthetic, etc The subtext also cannot be so far removed from the lyrics that they do not connect …. 🙂
If you’d all like a few more of these informative excerpts… please comment below and I’ll share some more. 😊
Full video on my YouTube channel. “Raadha kalpa”
Music : @sikkilgurucharan @anilsrinivasan
Video : @vivianambrose
#dance #bharatanatyam #education #raadhakalpa #indianculture #tradition #classicalindiandance
We primarily use Carnatic music in Bharatanatyam choreography. And Carnatic music works in polyrhythmic structures.
What this means is that the base rhythm will follow a particular rhythmic cycle. And there is a layering of other rhythmic structures on top. Usually these rhythmic sequences end with what we call a “muktayam” . This muktayam has a geometric structure as well.
See if you can find the muktayam in this video 😊 it ends the rhythmic sequence, before the vocals begin.
Video: an excerpt from “Mallari”
Full video on Raadha Kalpa’s YouTube channel
Produced by:
@teamworkarts
Supported by :
@indiabythebay
In collaboration with:
@raadhakalpa
Choreography & Direction: Rukmini Vijayakumar
Music Composition : @raghuramvocals
Director of Photography: @vivianambrose
Vocals : Raghuram R
Rhythm arrangement : @khanjiraboy
Thavil : @thavilraja
Nadaswaram : Dakshinamurthy
Keyboard/ programmed : @vishak_rp
Mix and mastered : Umesh Minnanda
Recorded at Studio Ananya.
#bharatanatyam #indianclassicaldance #dancefacts #indiandance #tradition #carnaticmusic #rhythm #polyrhythmic #percussion
I just had my first performance outside of india after a little more than two years. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel to travel again. I don’t particularly enjoy airports or long flights because they throw me off my training schedule. But after being here, I’m reminded again of what makes me perform on stage and share this art. It’s the people…. Im humbled every single time that I step off stage and am greeted by love …
I realise what a privilege it is to have dance… to be able to reach people through this dance and to be able to find connections in the most unexpected places….
The team at @milapfest were just wonderful… warm, loving and so so kind! I couldn’t have asked for a better experience after two years…
Thank you to everyone! Prav, Alok, Santosh, Archana, Sheetal ….
Every time I enjoy these privileges of love and warmth, I realise that I must strive to be a better human. My dance affords these privileges…. And so I must strive to live upto my dance….
Thank you all so much for making this such a loving experience… until the next time ♥️
#bharatanatyam #dancer #sunlight #airport #travel #tour #love #performance #findingshiva Manchester Airport
The Tillana of Carnatic music is said to have been, originally adapted from the North Indian tradition of a “tarana” . Within a traditional Bharatanatyam performance, the Tillana is performed at the very end. It leaves the audience with a feeling of celebration at the very end.
More on this idea in my next post ♥️
Video @vivianambrose
Music Kalakriya series
#funfactsaboutbharatanatyam #funfacts #bharatanatyam #tillana #dance #carnatic #hindustani #kadanakuthuhala #balamuralikrishna #mridangajathi
“Abducted” this evening , 8:00 pm @bicblr , ticket link in my bio.
This was not an easy subject for me to create on. ‘Sexual abuse’ . I always felt that whatever I said, would never be enough and refrained from making something for the longest time! But I finally decided to bring together a lot of thoughts that have been on my mind for a very long time, in a language that I know best. Dance.
Some of the things I’ve considered while making this work are … the way a womens body is perceived across cultures, as a commodity. Asking questions about how we perpetuate this perception as members of a community, irrespective of gender.
Do we accept our own bodies? Or is there an innate sense of shame associated with our bodies? What does embracing our sensuality mean?
By virtue of being physically weaker for the most part, why does a woman have to constantly look over her shoulder ? “Eyes” on us – on our bodies – our hips- our lips – our breasts! Yes we have all of this… why then must we be ashamed of it? Cover, hide, look away, avert gaze …. – for safety?
Too much to say – and too little space . Basically come for the show if you’re in bangalore . Otherwise more on this topic in the months following….
#abuse #abducted #contemporarydance #bharatanatyam #indianartists #sexualabuse
Many traditional artists improvise on stage. This tradition of improvisation is a part of the art form. Carnatic musicians do this a lot because the structure of many traditional compositions allow for personal exploration at large.
As a Bharatanatyam dancer, I find this to be one of the most beautiful things about the form. Many times I go on stage with a skeletal structure that both the musicians and I are aware of. Within that structure we are allowed to create and move things around. This allows each of us as artists to be in the moment and “really listen” to one another ….
Contrary to popular idea, improvisation doesn’t mean that you do whatever you want… it means that we practise so much that skill and technique have to be used alongside presence of mind to create a coherent choreographic structure at the very moment of performance .
(Danced first and then added this music… so please forgive the lack of rhythmic coherence 😊)
Video @vivianambrose
#funfactsaboutbharatanatyam #bharatanatyam #indiandance #classicaldance #classicalindiandance #dancer #improvisation
#AD
Rhythym breeds solitude and solitude breeds leisure. I cherish my moments with a premium cup of Taj Mahal Tea.
This Eid, explore three variants of the incredible Taj Mahal Tea assorted box which comes in flavours like Mumbai Mint, Jaipuri Masala and Kashmiri Saffron.
Let your Eid be khaas with this Tohfa-e-Khaas!
Available on Amazon too!
#TajMahalTea #WahTaj#TohfaEKhaas #Festive #FestiveGifts #eidgifts #Tea #eid
The hardest things about travelling and touring as a performer is not the fights, lack of sleep or the varied food etc… it is leaving family behind.
I’ve had such a wonderful time here in Barcelona with @gungurartsbarcelona and I just finished the last day of my workshop today. The people I meet, the connections we make… are what makes all of this worthwhile.
I’m going to be flying to london tomorrow for my performance and workshop at @bhavanlondon
I’m really looking forward to my week there…. But I’d also be lying if I don’t say that I’m equally looking forward to spending one week at home before traveling to the US again….
Here’s to love life friendship community and family!
Photo @sunnyjagesar
#travel #dancer #love #life #friendship #family
Summer Skincare ft. L’Oreal Paris. The Crystal Gel Cream and UV Defender address two main skin care concerns of oily skin and UV protection. Get your summer glow on!
The crystal gel cream is packed with salicylic acid and gives 8 hours of oil control while keeping the skin clear. The UV Defender sunscreen has SPF 50+ and is perfect for long hours in the sun. Add these to your summer routine!
#Collab #UVDefender #CrystalRevolution #loreal #sunscreen #facecream #clearskin #beauty #skin
Summer Skincare ft. L’Oreal Paris. The Crystal Gel Cream and UV Defender address two main skin care concerns of oily skin and UV protection. Get your summer glow on!
The crystal gel cream is packed with salicylic acid and gives 8 hours of oil control while keeping the skin clear. The UV Defender sunscreen has SPF 50+ and is perfect for long hours in the sun. Add these to your summer routine!
#Collab #UVDefender #CrystalRevolution #loreal #sunscreen #facecream #clearskin #beauty #skin
Summer Skincare ft. L’Oreal Paris. The Crystal Gel Cream and UV Defender address two main skin care concerns of oily skin and UV protection. Get your summer glow on!
The crystal gel cream is packed with salicylic acid and gives 8 hours of oil control while keeping the skin clear. The UV Defender sunscreen has SPF 50+ and is perfect for long hours in the sun. Add these to your summer routine!
#Collab #UVDefender #CrystalRevolution #loreal #sunscreen #facecream #clearskin #beauty #skin
Day 32: #100daysofinnergrowth
What I’ve been trying to say to myself in recent days is “slow down” ! I’m really trying to take time to do the things that I would have previously not given enough time. Things like
– reading a story book
– napping with my dog
– sitting quietly
– watching tv with my mom
– getting a pedicure
– calling friends and speaking on the phone
I’m so used to working all the time that my mind usually doesn’t switch off…. So I find that I have to remind myself to do some of these things… and that it’s ok if I didn’t necessarily hit all my targets for the day. 😊
I have no idea when the 100 days will get done. But slow and steady…. I’ll get there ….
#innergrowth #self #innerself #time #quiet #contemplation
“Talattu” today! April 23rd
Mylapore fine arts, chennai
“Abducted” April 25th, BIC bangalore
Ticket links in my bio!
See you all soon!
https://linktr.ee/dancerukmini
#talattu #krishna #yashoda #abducted #sexualabuse #abuse
Our baby’s scared of lots of things … musical instruments, big balls, mirrors, suitcases , being left alone ♥️….
Our big furry puppy . Only 11 months now… 😊
#kong #adventures #gsd #growingup #love #puppy #dogmom
May 8th: “Krishna” , @milapfest Liverpool capstone theater
May 9th: workshop @milapfest
May 13th : “Talattu” @gungurartsbarcelona , Barcelona
May 14th: workshop @gungurartsbarcelona
May 17th-19: workshop @bhavanlondon
May 21st: “Talattu” @bhavanlondon
Links are in my bio, or check the organisation’s pages for details on tickets and registration.
First international travel for performance after two years! ♥️
#bharatanatyam #spain #london #liverpool #indiandanceuk #ukindian #bharatanatyam #classicaldanceeurope
May 8th: “Krishna” , @milapfest Liverpool capstone theater
May 9th: workshop @milapfest
May 13th : “Talattu” @gungurartsbarcelona , Barcelona
May 14th: workshop @gungurartsbarcelona
May 17th-19: workshop @bhavanlondon
May 21st: “Talattu” @bhavanlondon
Links are in my bio, or check the organisation’s pages for details on tickets and registration.
First international travel for performance after two years! ♥️
#bharatanatyam #spain #london #liverpool #indiandanceuk #ukindian #bharatanatyam #classicaldanceeurope
May 8th: “Krishna” , @milapfest Liverpool capstone theater
May 9th: workshop @milapfest
May 13th : “Talattu” @gungurartsbarcelona , Barcelona
May 14th: workshop @gungurartsbarcelona
May 17th-19: workshop @bhavanlondon
May 21st: “Talattu” @bhavanlondon
Links are in my bio, or check the organisation’s pages for details on tickets and registration.
First international travel for performance after two years! ♥️
#bharatanatyam #spain #london #liverpool #indiandanceuk #ukindian #bharatanatyam #classicaldanceeurope
May 8th: “Krishna” , @milapfest Liverpool capstone theater
May 9th: workshop @milapfest
May 13th : “Talattu” @gungurartsbarcelona , Barcelona
May 14th: workshop @gungurartsbarcelona
May 17th-19: workshop @bhavanlondon
May 21st: “Talattu” @bhavanlondon
Links are in my bio, or check the organisation’s pages for details on tickets and registration.
First international travel for performance after two years! ♥️
#bharatanatyam #spain #london #liverpool #indiandanceuk #ukindian #bharatanatyam #classicaldanceeurope
May 8th: “Krishna” , @milapfest Liverpool capstone theater
May 9th: workshop @milapfest
May 13th : “Talattu” @gungurartsbarcelona , Barcelona
May 14th: workshop @gungurartsbarcelona
May 17th-19: workshop @bhavanlondon
May 21st: “Talattu” @bhavanlondon
Links are in my bio, or check the organisation’s pages for details on tickets and registration.
First international travel for performance after two years! ♥️
#bharatanatyam #spain #london #liverpool #indiandanceuk #ukindian #bharatanatyam #classicaldanceeurope
New term starting on May 9th!
Those of you who are looking to attend classes. Call/ email the details on the poster .
(Please do not DM- I won’t be able to respond)
Both in person and online classes will be there.
To find out about structure and formats call/email.
Limited space. Register soon
#bharatanatyam #indiandance #bangaloredance #rukminivijayakumar #theraadhakalpamethod #raadhakalpa
Last day to register!
New term starting on May 9th!
Those of you who are looking to attend classes. Call/ email/ WhatsApp the details on the poster .
[email protected]
+91 98454 07574
(Please do not DM- I won’t be able to respond)
Both in person and online classes will be there.
To find out about structure and formats call/email.
Limited space. Register soon
#bharatanatyam #indiandance #bangaloredance #rukminivijayakumar #theraadhakalpamethod #raadhakalpa
In conversation with Internationally renowned Dancer/Actress/Author Rukmini Vijayakumar on her book “Finding Shiva”.
As she unpacks this wonderful journey, she shares with us her transformation and answers to her quest as she becomes one with dance.
Today’s in conversation is with Milap’s @santosh_g_nair
#Bharatanatyam #Bharatanatyamdancer #rukhminivijaykumar #instabharatanatyam #instadancer #findingshiva #shiva #dancerrukhmini #indiandance #liverpool #indianclassicaldance #danceperformance #bharatanatyamartist #indianclassical #capstonetheatre #internationaldancer
Last day to register!
New term starting on May 9th!
Those of you who are looking to attend classes. Call/ email/ WhatsApp the details on the poster .
[email protected]
+91 98454 07574
(Please do not DM- I won’t be able to respond)
Both in person and online classes will be there.
To find out about structure and formats call/email.
Limited space. Register soon
#bharatanatyam #indiandance #bangaloredance #rukminivijayakumar #theraadhakalpamethod #raadhakalpa
Last day to register!
New term starting on May 9th!
Those of you who are looking to attend classes. Call/ email/ WhatsApp the details on the poster .
[email protected]
+91 98454 07574
(Please do not DM- I won’t be able to respond)
Both in person and online classes will be there.
To find out about structure and formats call/email.
Limited space. Register soon
#bharatanatyam #indiandance #bangaloredance #rukminivijayakumar #theraadhakalpamethod #raadhakalpa
