'B R A H M A - J A L A - D H A R A' (Music Composed by GS RAJAN)

An ode to the river Ganges, the symbol and essence of India, its origin and the legends revolving around it. Ganges has been a cradle for the early Indian civilisation, nurturing them with its pure clean water. This is a sensitive production on Ganges, invoking its past glory and beauty, just as it cries out in pain against its heavy pollution. "For someone as young as Rama to choreograph these not so ordinary pieces is a feat in itself"…The Times of India "Rama's portrayal of Ganga flowing down to the earth was truly an inspired piece of choreography"..Indian Express

 

'I KNOW SO I AM' (Music Arrangement: RAMA VAIDYANATHAN)

I know so I am is a unique attempt to combine the vibrancy of Bharatanatyam with the poignancy of contemporary concern on SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS.The frame work of presentation is the blank poetic verses in English written and narrated by MEERA KHANNA.This production was premeiered in New Delhi.

 

SWASHAKTI (Music Arrangement: RAMA VAIDYANATHAN)

Swashakti presents the inherant strenghts of the Indian woman.Starting from the ARDHANAREESWARA concept where Siva is depicted as half man and half woman,the Indian Woman and Man complement each other's strenghts.lakshmi the goddess of wealth, Saraswati the Goddess of learning and Durga the Goddess of empowerment are the three ideals around which the Indian woman must build up her self esteem and power.The presentation draws from ancient literature and is held together by the blank verses in English by Meera Khanna.

 

Footsteps of Time' (Music by GS RAJAN)

This is a group choreography dealing with an abstract idea like TIME, one of man's greatest inventions, tracing its footsteps from immemorial to the modern time. It depicts the breakup of eternal time into past, present and future for human perception. With verses taken from the Rig Veda, it depicts how the celestial bodies like the Sun and the Moon by bestowing light and darkness, were significant reference points during the vedic age. In contrast, how in modern times, man has ignored the movements of these celestial bodies and has become a slave to the clock. Eternal time has been reduced to an eternal race against time. "However, the belle of the new choreographies ball was undoubtedly Rama Vaidyanathan"..The Hindustan Times

 

'Aangikam Bhuvanam' - a cosmic self -
(Choreography: Rama Vaidyanathan. Music by GS RAJAN)

Rama choreogrpahed and presented this unique ballet with a group of 15 dancers and presented at the historic 'Purana Quilla' in New Delhi on the occasion of Ananya Festival of the Government of Delhi. This production was highly appreciated by all.

 

Shringara Trayi - (Choreography: Rama Vaidyanathan. Music by GS RAJAN)

A production in collaboration with noted art historian, Dr. Harsha Dehejia. Premiered on
12 October 2008 in Ottawa, Canada.

 

Kalindhi Katha - 'Yamuna tells a story'.
(Choreography: Rama Vaidyanathan. Music by GS RAJAN)

Premiered in IIC experience festival, New Delhi on 16 October 2008.

 

DANCE OF BIRDS

(Choreography: Rama Vaidyanathan. Music by GS RAJAN)

I have always beed fascinated by the movement dynamics of the Birds. Being a dancer I observed them from a totally different dimension, and worked on how I could recreate their movements using my dance as a medium. In the process I was amazed to discover several movements in the Bharatanatyam idiom which were extremely effective in depicting birds. Therfore working on this project has made me discover and enjoy the world of the birds as well as the versatality of my dance form.

Mayur- Allaripu - Allaripu,the traditional number from the Bharatanatyam margam has been used to depict the movements of the peacock. The sudden jerks and changes in the syllables of this piece made very good material to depict the peacock.

Lament to the Birds - The 3rd century poem from the Divyaprabandham has the nayika confiding in the birds her love for Krishna. She laments, cajoles, reprimands and treats them like close friends.She addresses the heron, swan ,parrot and cuckoo. She hears their calls, plays with them, dances with them and pleads them to take a message of love to her Lord Krishna.

Vrikshanajali - Ode to the tree. The tree which is the main habitat of the birds is a symbol of love and protection. This sanskrit poem draws parelleles between the human mind and the tree. The more the tree goes deeper into the ground , the more it is able to serve this earth. The more it reaches towards the sky, the more birds make it their homes. The picture of a bird perched atop a branch of a tree makes wonderful imagery in dance because it symbolises peace and trust.

Flight to Freedom - Birds are symbols of freedom. They represent freedom of the mind and liberation of the soul. They go against gravity and fly high into the endless sky. This is a metaphor for raising our own selves against this maya. To rise above all challenges of worldly pleasures and to journey towards the endless brahman.

To be presented in USA in October - November 2010:

Akhilam Madhuram

A solo Bharata Natyam presentation on Mathura and Vrindavan.

Premiered at Narada Gana Sabha's 'Kshetra Bharatam' festival in Chennai.

Visualised, choreographed and presented by Rama Vaidyanathan.
Music Composition by GS RAJAN

5000 years ago I was a witness to the life and times of Sri Krishna, one of Hinduism's greatest avataras. It is before me that the Lord took birth and spent an eventful youth, thereby connecting me intimately to all his past times. I am the river Yamuna or kalindi,and I am blessed to be flowing through the mystic land of Brajbhoomi - where little hamlets are still alive with the Krishna legend. Mathura - a small town by my banks was transformed into a place of faith after Krishna was born here. It was here that He spread the message of overflowing love. Saint Vallabhacharya , who made Mathura an important centre of the Bhakti cult expressed in his Madhurashtakam- Every thing about Krishna's life in Mathura is sweet. His words, His smile, His gait, His actions, and His very presence. AKHILAM MADHURAM.

For bookings: ramaconcerts@yahoo.com