Business Details
34 Years
experience
Celebrating Bharatanatyam Through Innovative Dance Performances
Founded in 1992, Ragamala Dance is a pioneering, woman-led, family-run organization dedicated to the South Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam. Our mission is to bridge ancient traditions with contemporary narratives, creating immersive performances that explore cultural hybridity and immigrant experiences. Through rigorous training under legendary artist Alarml Valli, we have cultivated a creative ethos rooted in beauty, truth, and spirit. Our work extends beyond the stage to include community engagement programs that demystify cultural roots and educational initiatives that instill discipline and confidence in students of all ages. As a Twin Cities-based company with global reach, we tour extensively worldwide while maintaining deep local connections.Our artistic leadership combines over three decades of experience, ensuring Bharatanatyam remains a dynamic living tradition. We collaborate with diverse artists and institutions to foster intercultural dialogue, having been commissioned by prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center. Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition from The New York Times as 'soulful, imaginative, and rhythmically contagious.' Through tax-deductible programming and outreach, we demonstrate the power of arts to forge connections across cultural and ethnic boundaries.
Services
Bharatanatyam Performances
Cultural Workshops
Community Engagement
Dance Education
Digital Programming
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- Family-led organization with 30+ years of Bharatanatyam expertise
- Award-winning performances at prestigious venues worldwide
- Community programs connecting diverse audiences to Indian culture
- Educational initiatives with rigorous training in traditional dance
- Pioneering woman-led artistic leadership in South Indian dance
What people say
Soulful, imaginative performances
Shared sense of humanity
Stunning technical virtuosity
Living tradition preservation
Transportive cultural experience
Services
Bharatanatyam Performances
Our Bharatanatyam performances blend ancient Indian dance traditions with contemporary storytelling. Rooted in 2,000-year-old techniques, these works explore modern immigrant narratives while maintaining classical purity. Each production features intricate choreography, live music collaborations, and thematic depth that has earned acclaim from The New York Times as 'rhythmically contagious.'
Dance Education
The Ragamala Training Center offers comprehensive Bharatanatyam instruction for all ages. Our curriculum combines technical mastery with cultural context, emphasizing discipline and self-expression. Students learn from experienced instructors with direct lineage to legendary artist Alarml Valli, ensuring authentic transmission of this living tradition while developing personal artistry.
Community Engagement
Our community programs demystify South Indian arts through interactive workshops and demonstrations. Designed for diverse audiences, these initiatives foster cross-cultural understanding by connecting participants with Indian heritage through dance. Programs include school residencies, public lectures, and collaborative projects that highlight the relevance of traditional arts in contemporary society.
Digital Programming
We offer digital engagement through live-streamed classes, cultural lectures, and performance archives. These programs provide accessible learning opportunities about Bharatanatyam and South Asian culture. Content includes artist talks exploring cultural hybridity, technique demonstrations, and curated performances with contextual introductions for global audiences.
Commissioned Works
We create bespoke dance works for major performing arts institutions worldwide. These commissions combine traditional Bharatanatyam elements with innovative staging, often exploring themes of cultural identity and spiritual inquiry. Our collaborative process results in site-specific creations that have been presented at venues including the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center Out of Doors.
People
Ranee Ramaswamy
Co-Artistic Director
Founder of Ragamala Dance with over 30 years of Bharatanatyam expertise. Trained under Alarml Valli, she combines traditional mastery with innovative choreography. Her work has been commissioned by major performing arts centers globally.
Aparna Ramaswamy
Executive Artistic Director
Award-winning Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer with a career spanning three decades. Recognized for technical virtuosity and expressive storytelling, her work has been praised by The New York Times and Dance Magazine for its 'sculptural clarity.'
Ashwini Ramaswamy
Choreographic Associate
Third-generation artist contributing contemporary perspectives to traditional forms. As choreographic associate, she bridges generational approaches while developing innovative works like 'Invisible Cities' that explore new artistic territories within Bharatanatyam.
Questions
What dance style does Ragamala specialize in?
We specialize in Bharatanatyam, the classical South Indian dance form, while innovating through contemporary interpretations and cross-cultural collaborations.
Do you offer dance classes for beginners?
Yes, our Training Center provides Bharatanatyam instruction for all levels, from introductory classes to advanced training for professional development.
How can my organization partner with Ragamala?
We collaborate on performances, residencies, and educational programs. Contact our booking representatives at Elsie Management to discuss partnership opportunities.
Are performances accessible for non-Indian audiences?
Yes, our works include artist introductions and contextual programming to help all audiences connect with the cultural narratives and emotional themes.
How do you preserve traditional dance while innovating?
Our training under Alarmél Valli ensures classical authenticity, while our choreography explores contemporary interpretations that maintain the art form's living tradition.
Where can I see Ragamala perform?
We tour internationally to major performing arts centers and maintain a home season in Minneapolis, with additional digital programming available globally.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Adrienne Huffman
May 02, 2019
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Ragamala Dance Company performed at my undergraduate school, Beloit College, when I was a student there...around 1998. The experience was beautiful, and something I’ve never forgotten. The music, lighting, clothing, and dance all intertwine together to create something truly magical. I’ve tried to see them many times since then, and the timing has just never worked out right. I definitely recommend attending one of their performances, and I really look forward to seeing them again in the future.
Sonya Devi Kumar
Feb 05, 2015
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Saw them years ago in NYC. Such a captivating performance with a perfect blend of tradition and modernity that I still think of them years later. Hope you're in NY again soon!
Darshy N.
Jul 22, 2010
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With the recommendation from one of my friends I heard about the Ragamala Dance School. They teach bharatanatyam style of dance.
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form originating in Tamil Nadu a Southern state in India. It is one of the oldest of the classical dance forms in India and is usually accompanied by the classical music. It has its inspirations from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram.
It's mostly noted for its sculpturesque poses and the fan-like costumes of it's dancers.
I'm actually not a Bharatanatyam dance, I've had over 10 years of dancing
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form originating in Tamil Nadu a Southern state in India. It is one of the oldest of the classical dance forms in India and is usually accompanied by the classical music. It has its inspirations from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram.
It's mostly noted for its sculpturesque poses and the fan-like costumes of it's dancers.
I'm actually not a Bharatanatyam dance, I've had over 10 years of dancing
