Odyssey

Ramya is a globally recognised Bharatanatyam exponent, described by the New York Times as “a considerable virtuoso and a complex stylist.” Trained under gurus Kalaimamani S.K. Rajarathnam Pillai and Padma Bhushan Kalanidhi Narayanan, she is herself a Kalaimamani awardee, with further honours including “A” Grade Doordarshan and Natanamamani. A U.S. based performer, researcher, choreographer and teacher-educator, she has performed for over 40 years and taught for 32, serving as visiting faculty at several universities and headlining India’s December Season annually. Her performances span venues including the Madras Music Academy, Lincoln Center, Asia Society and the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana. She heads ABHAI’s USA chapter.

Swamimalai Dr. K. Suresh is a distinguished Nattuvanar, vocalist, dancer and choreographer from a fifth-generation family of musicians. Trained in the Vazhuvoor tradition under his granduncle, the renowned Swamimalai S.K. Rajaratnam, he also studied Carnatic vocal music under T.V.S. Sivasubramania Pillai and was mentored by violin maestro Lalgudi G. Jayaraman. An ‘A’ graded All India Radio vocalist, Suresh holds degrees in Music and Bharatanatyam, including a Ph.D. in Dance. He is known for his intricate rhythmic choreography, soulful music and rare ability to perform nattuvangam and provide vocal accompaniment simultaneously. His honours include the Kalaimamani and Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar.

Kalaiarasan Ramanathan is a distinguished violin artist with over 25 years of experience in Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam. The son of renowned Mridanga Vidwan ‘Sangeetha Bhusanam’ Professor A.S. Ramanathan, he is a disciple of Smt. Dhanadevi Mithradevi and graduated with honours from Annamalai University with the title ‘Sangeetha Bhushanam’. He has accompanied leading Bharatanatyam artists in India and abroad and participated in numerous music and dance productions. A permanent member of Bharata Kalanjali, he has received awards from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha and VDS Arts Academy. He was also selected for the prestigious Sudharani Raghupathy Endowment Award for senior musicians.