RAMYA RAMNARAYAN

Bharata Natyam Dancer/Choreographer/Educator

Ramya Ramnarayan is a commendable Bharatanatyam performer, choreographer, educator and a torch bearer of this art, who blends tradition with innovation. Ramya has been trained for number of years with doyens in the field of Bharatanatyam, Late Guru Kalaimamai Rajaratham Pillai and Padmabushan Smt Kalanidhi Narayanan.

Through her Production Company and school - Nrithyanjali www.nrithyanjali.org, Ramya preserves promotes and propagates Bharatanatyam with at most zeal and dedication. The New Jersey State Council on the Arts recognized Ramya as a leading crafter of the art form through grants under the Master-Apprenticeship program.

Through her dance company, Ramya has extended the outreach of Bharathanatyam by presenting educational and enriching dance showcases under the auspicious of the Young Audiences NJ. She holds a visiting faculty appointment in the Dance Department at Mason Gross School of Arts, affiliated to Rutgers University. Ramya has organized and performed benefit shows and donated over $95,000 to various charities.

Awards and Recognition: “Kalaimamani”(Tamil Nadu State Award) “Nadanamamani”(Kartik Fine Arts, Chennai) Nrithya Seva Mani (Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana) Artist Fellowship Award for Choreography (New Jersey State Council on the Arts). Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey have passed a joint resolution recognizing Ramya Ramnarayan for her commitment, dedication and achievement in the art. Ramya is a NJ Governor appointee and is a part of the Board of Trustees for the Asian American Study Foundation.

Her eyes said it all…Ramya presented a Bharatanatyam recital that was impressive for the chiseled grace It was remarkable to note that Ramya invested the same energy in her abhinaya as in her nritta. -The Hindu, National daily.

Ramya creates a moonlit rapture with feminine grace and infinite tenderness – Robert Johnson, The Star ledger

She is an enterprising innovator who knows how to combine the oldest of adavus in new patterns to create a surge of joy in the minds of traditionalists, retaining the ability to please those who want something new. V.A.K. Rangarao Chennai Online

Ramya’s style was characterized by her perfect Nritta, engrossing Abhinaya and convincing Natya. Her precision and graceful abhinaya was supremely evident”. – The Deccan Chronicle

For more information: www.nrithyanjali.org