๐ A Dance-Filled Odyssey: Reflecting on the Magic of 2023 ๐
As the curtain falls on the dance stage of 2023, I find myself immersed in a symphony of achievements, artistic endeavors, and personal metamorphosis. This year has been a kaleidoscope of emotions, a journey where every step resonated with the rhythm of Bharatanatyam and the pulsating beats of personal growth.
๐ซ January – Kicking Off with Bharatanatyam Brilliance ๐ซ
The year unfolded in the grace of Bharatanatyam rehearsals, a testament to the commitment to my craft. Each movement was a brushstroke, painting a canvas of dedication that would set the tone for the months ahead.
๐บ February – Unveiling the Power of “SHAKTI” ๐บ
February saw the birth of “SHAKTI,” a choreographic venture delving into the empowerment of women through the lens of Indian classical dance. It was a journey of expression, where each gesture became a voice echoing the strength and resilience of the feminine spirit.
๐ญ March – Orchestrating Artistic Symphony at Jaya Ram Season 2 ๐ญ
Stage-managing Jaya Ram Season 2 at The Shantanand Auditorium was a privilege, a moment where the threads of creativity converged to create a tapestry of artistic brilliance.
๐ญ April – A Fond Farewell to Now Theatre ๐ญ
In April, I bid a heartfelt adieu to Now Theatre, a sacred space where creativity danced freely. Each step taken within those walls was a reverie, and as I closed that chapter, I carried with me the echoes of countless performances and collaborations.
๐ May – Celebrations and Artistic Showcases ๐
May was a crescendo of celebrations! From honoring Master Ramli’s 70th birthday with Mohana Deli Cha to the premiere of “Penari Kelas Dunia,” a documentary showcasing my journey as a dance teacher and performer, it was a month where the spotlight shone brightly on the magic of the arts.
๐ฃ June – Nurturing Sound and Stage at Twinning 2.0 ๐ฃ
Managing sound and stage for Twinning 2.0 was a rhythmic dance in itself, a behind-the-scenes endeavor that added beats to the performances on stage.
๐ July – A New Bharatanatyam Journey with Ishwar Muthkumaran ๐
July also marked the beginning of a new chapter in my Bharatanatyam journey. Embarking on this path with Ishwar Muthkumaran added a fresh rhythm, a new cadence to Bharatanatyam at Sutra.
๐ July – Embracing Tradition with Tanjore Quartet Parampara ๐
July brought a lecture-demo by Ishwar Muthkumaran on Tanjore Quartet parampara, a moment of learning and celebration of classical dance tradition.
๐น In the Midst of Heartbreak – Remembering Ewok ๐น
In July, amidst the swirl of artistic ventures, a poignant sadness marked my journey. On the 13th of July, my beloved furkid, Ewok, crossed the rainbow bridge. Born on 11th September 2009, she graced my life for 13 years. Her departure was heart-clenching and devastating, a wound that still echoes in my soul. Amidst the heartbreak, Ewok’s memory became a silent dance partner in every step, a melancholic yet cherished presence.
๐ August – Bharatanatyam Parents Day and the Joy of Odissi ๐
August was a medley of emotions, from hosting Bharatanatyam Parents Day to rejoicing in the joy of Odissi after a long hiatus. It was a month where every dance step became a note in the melody of life.
๐ September – “Dance with Bha-Ra-Ta”: A Grand Opening ๐
In September, the stage was set for a grand opening as I presented “Dance with Bha-Ra-Ta” at Sutra. It marked not just a performance but the commencement of a new chapter in the world of Bharatanatyam.
๐ October – A Graduation Day to Remember ๐
October brought not just the beauty of autumn but the golden moment of convocation on the 7th. Walking across the stage, the academic regalia was not just a symbol of achievement but a dance of knowledge and wisdom.
๐ October – Gratitude and Sarasvathi Pooja Blessings ๐
October allowed me to express gratitude through Simhasanastithe for Sarasvathi Pooja, a dance of thanks for the blessings bestowed upon me.
๐น November – Reviving Nee Entha Mayam and Cherishing Bharatanatyam’s Timeless Beauty ๐น
November brought the thrill of reviving Nee Entha Mayam, a celebration of Bharatanatyam’s timeless beauty. It was a moment where the dance floor became a canvas, and every movement painted a story of cultural richness.
โ๏ธ December – Concluding the Year with Bharatanatyam Rehearsals โ๏ธ
As the year drew to a close, the dance floor witnessed the final Bharatanatyam rehearsals, a poignant reminder of the commitment to art that echoed through every season of 2023.
๐ Academic Milestone – Mastering Education and Dance ๐
Amidst the whirlwind of dance, an academic milestone unfolded. Graduating with a Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) felt like a dream. Juggling studies and a full-time role at Stella Maris International School, I seamlessly blended the magic of performing arts into education, creating a comprehensive syllabus for young minds.
๐ A Grateful Heart – Journeying Through 2023 ๐
To my mentors, family, and the guiding light of Master Ramli Ibrahim, thank you for shaping my journey. Your influence is the melody that has composed the soundtrack of my 2023.
This year has been a dance-filled odyssey, where each performance, each step, and each heartbeat echoed the magic of the arts. As I bid adieu to 2023, my heart is filled with gratitude for the moments, the movements, and the milestones that made this year extraordinary.
#DanceMagic #ArtisticJourney #Gratitude #BharatanatyamLove #EmpowerThroughDance #ReflectingOn2023 #MasteringLife #ArtAndEducation #YearOfAchievements #RememberingEwok #FurkidMemories #GratefulHeart ๐
December 2023
Watch this video on Facebook https://fb.watch/p0WfMlm7Fm/?mibextid=tUvUA8
BN Rehearsal 10/12/2023
#BharatanatyamMagic #SutraDanceTheatre #Rathimalar #RamliIbrahim #bharatanatyam #Malaysians #dancerehearsal #staytuned
November 2023
Resurrecting Nee Entha Mayam – Thrilled to be a part of the magical revival of Nee Entha Mayam with the incredible Jayalakshmi Sekhar Akka and Master Ramli Ibrhaim. Lets celebrate the timeless beauty of Bharatanatyam and honor our rich cultural heritage.
October 2023
ย Last night I performed Simhasanastithe for Sarasvathi Pooja. I offer Her my salutations and gratitude for all that She has bestowed upon me. I bow in gratitude and humbled by her blessings ๐๐ฝ๐ Happy Vijayadashami ๐
#saraswati_puja #ninthdaynavaratri #vijayadashami #sutrafoundation #sutradancetheatre #rathimalargovindarajoo #templedancer #bharatanatyam
#gratitude
Iโm thrilled to announce that @finasmalaysia has produced a stunning documentary โPenari Kelas Duniaโ that showcases my journey as a dance teacher and performer. I had the privilege of collaborating with Mr Naim, who portrayed my story with such grace and beauty. This is the most amazing tribute to my devotion to dance. Iโm so grateful to @muhammadnaim_mazlan for this opportunity! #lensanegaraku #finasmalaysia #danceteacher #documentary #grateful #sutrafoundation #ramliibrahim #sutradancetheatre #bharatanatyam #shobanajeyasinghdance #stellamarisinternationalschool
Link: https://youtu.be/cjqRUCF9w-s?si=bH-7-Iq6u6GLEJo3
Dear Beloved Friends,
I’m overjoyed to share some wonderful news with you all. I graduated this morning with a Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), and I couldn’t be more grateful for this milestone. It’s been quite a journey, filled with its share of challenges, but every bit of it has been worth it.
While I was busy with my studies, I took a step back from the dance scene. I was juggling this part-time Master program at AeU while holding down a full-time position at Stella Maris International School. I owe a world of thanks to Yayasan Tan Sri Dominic Vendargon for their incredible support whose generous sponsorship made this educational endeavour possible. Their belief in me as an educator at Stella Maris has made all the difference.
Becoming a master’s holder feels like a dream come true, especially considering my journey from dealing with dyslexia in my formative years at school. It’s a significant achievement, one that I’m still trying to wrap my head around.
Although my master’s was primarily focused on TESL, I couldn’t resist infusing it with the magic of performing arts, especially dance! That led to creating a comprehensive Performing Arts syllabus for Year 7, Year 8, and Year 9. I’m beaming with pride!
I firmly believe that the performing arts are a powerful way to help students find their voice and express themselves. It’s not just about academics; it’s about shaping who they are as individuals in this world. That’s why I advocate for infusing performing arts into every subject, not just the specialized ones. It adds a whole new layer of richness to the learning experience. It undeniably shapes their identity and role as individuals in this world, an influence that transcends the classroom. We must advocate the integration of performing artsโdance, drama, theatre, and musicโinto not only specialized subjects but also the core curriculum. This holistic approach promises a more impactful and enriching learning experience for students.
Though I’m now a qualified educator, my heart will always belong to the world of art and dance. My goal is to share the experiences and wisdom I’ve gained with the young minds in our schools.
This, I believe, is my true callingโto teach not just dance, but also to bring the transformative power of performing arts into the realm of education. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my mother, my family and the guidance of Master Ramli, who provided me with the finest education from the very beginning.
To all my cherished mentors and those who have inspired me, I’m forever grateful for the lessons and the impact you’ve had on shaping the person I am today. ,I extend my deepest thanks for the invaluable lessons and the indelible mark you have left on my journey. It is with the utmost respect and gratitude that I acknowledge your profound influence on the person I have become.
And tonight, we will gather for the grand opening of “Dance with Bha-Ra-Ta” at Sutra, and I’m filled with a sense of both closure and excitement, a sense of culmination and anticipation. This event marks the inception of an extraordinary voyage towards establishing a robust foundation and team in Bharathanatyam. This event marks the beginning of an incredible journey in the world of Bharathanatyam and so in mine. Today is, indeed, a perfect day!
#EducationMilestone #TESLGraduate #PerformingArtsAdvocate #EmpoweredEducator #BharathanatyamJourney #GratitudeForSupport #LifeInEducation #ArtisticCalling #TransformativeTeaching #InfluentialMentors #PerfectDayCelebration #DancePassion #rathimalargovindarajoo #ramliibrahim #SutradanceTheatre #AeU #SMIS #YTDV
Barathanatyam returns to Sutra with a blaze of passion and fire! Ishwar Muthkumaran @tanjoretakataam has nurtured the girls for the past six months, and now twenty of them are ready to dazzle you with their talent in a full-length performance. Nine dancers will grace the stage with the Kamas Varnam Entha Nee Ne, a 40-minute gem by Adyar K Lakshman Sir! Master Ramli has entrusted me with the responsibility to lead and direct the program and rearrange the items. I have made choreographic decisions to infuse a contemporary touch to the program. It was a formidable challenge and a rewarding journey. I owe a lot to Master Ramli @ramliibrahimofficial and I canโt wait to share Dense With Bha-Ra-Ta with all of you. I hope you will appreciate the love and passion that we have poured into this show. The dancers have shed blood, sweat and tears to bring my ideas to life and to uphold the Barathanatyam standards of precision in technique. Please come and witness our delight and dedication for Barathanatyam! โฅ๏ธ๐๐ฝ
Please go to @sutradancetheatre for details, or call +60193331092
#barathanatyam #sutrafoundation #ramliibrahim #rathimalargovindarajoo #ishwarmuthukumaran #tanjorequartet #dance #classicalindiandance #contemporary #dancepassion
September 2023
After so long hiatus of more than three years, I felt the joy of Odissi with my dance sisters once more… this is my offering to you, Sri Maha Mariamman.
August 2023
Bharatanatyam Parents Day lead by Rathimalar Govindarajoo
July 2023
Lecture Demo by Ishwar Muthkumaran @Sutra House. He spoke about Tanjore Quartet parampara, having experienced through more than 22 years of experience under the tutelage of Shri Chandrasekhar Pillai (who is the son of the great guru, the late Kittapa Pillai of Tanjore).
June 2023
Sound and Stage Managed Twinning 2.0
May 2023
Master Ramli’s 70th Birthday @ Kamaria – We performed Mohana Deli Cha
April 2023
Now Theatre @nowtheatre is closing down!
It broke my heart getting news yesterday. So I told myself that I need to give my salutations to the space tomorrow at its closing ceremony. The space was given to us freely by Ling and Kathyn to explore dance through creative collaborations. This was the space that Samprati and Dance In The Now was first created and showcased in August 2017. Samprati in turn won me a BOH Cameronian Arts Award! Later on, works like โWhen Spring Cameโ a duet by Arunagiri and myself was also created, why, even the well known work โRehabโ was reworked a couple of times with different dancers at this very space too. Undoubtably, it has imprinted in my heart that this space is a sacred one! Although currently I am out of practice and also out of shape due to my knee injuries, I have decided that it was important and crucial for me to give my thanks and my salutations as we bid farewell to it tomorrow. I will dance in the space for the last time tomorrow and give it my all for everything it has given me in return. So do please come with me and give it a loving farewell. Details are on @nowtheatre โs page.
Venue: @nowtheatre Midfields Square West B1-28-1 Jalan 11/108C Taman Sungai Besi
Time: 8pm
“This place is magic, my knees were just fine. It felt good performing tonight. Thank you and farewell Now Theatre!”
March 2023
I had the privilege to Stage Manage Jaya Ram Season 2 at Theย Shantanand Auditorium
February 2023
https://sinarbestari.sinarharian.com.my/skil-amp-kerjaya/rathimalar-penari-kelas-dunia/news
Creative Process began in February 2023 & Premiered in May 2023
SHAKTI
Choreographer – Rathimalar Govindarajoo
Dancer – Prishavardhani Nair
Music – tracks borrowed from Catfish – Mark Applebaum Smoke & Mirrors Vanish, and Sayani Chakrabortyโs Dhruba Initiative team of Ayi giri nandini song by Durba Singha Roychoudhury.
Shakti – the female principal of divine energy, the primordial cosmic energy that represents the dynamic forces that are thought to move through the universe, especially when personified as the supreme deity. She is thought of as creative, sustaining, as well as destructive, and is sometimes referred as source energy with no beginning, no ending and forever.
This is a work on Women Empowerment. It is identified as female energy because Shakti is responsible for creation, as mothers are responsible for birth. Without shakti, nothing in this universe would happen; she stimulates siva, which is passive energy in the form of consciousness, to create. Not only as Goddess Durga, another form of Shakti who slayed Mahishasura, serve as an icon for empowering women, her life presents many lessons from which we can learn, particularly with reference to women in our society today. Shakti the innate power in reality, has five faces. It manifests as the power to be conscious, the power to feel ecstasy, the power of will, or desire, the power to know, and the power to act.
This piece explores Martha Graham technique within the Indian Classical Artform that focuses on the energy that comes from the Kundalini.ย The Kundalini is a form of divine feminine energy believed to be located at the base of the spine, in the muladhara. It is an important concept in ลhaiva Tantra, where it is believed to be a force or power associated with the divine feminine or the formless aspect of the Goddess.
Watch the full recordings of the creative process each week on my YouTube Channel – https://youtube.com/@RathimalarGovindarajoo