A Year of Transformation: 2024 as a Milestone in My Journey
As I reflect on 2024, I am filled with immense gratitude and awe. This year has not only marked a significant turning point in my personal and professional life, but it has also reaffirmed my deep connection to the world of dance, my roots, and the new chapters unfolding before me.
2024 has been a year of both celebration and transition. The year began with the premiere of First Sighting, a bharatanatyam production that carried a special meaning for me personally and for Sutra Foundation. After years of exploring and contributing to the world of Odissi and contemporary dance, it was a beautiful return to my roots in Bharatanatyam—reclaiming Sutra’s legacy in this classical art form. It was an exhilarating and deeply fulfilling experience to work alongside my mentor, Guru, Master – Artistic Director Datuk Ramli Ibrahim and co-teacher, Ishwar Muthkumaran, and other talented dancers of Sutra, as we explored and reinterpreted this beloved tradition.
In July, my life took another momentous step forward when I married Dev Anand Dorasamy in a traditional ceremony in Malaysia. Our wedding was not just a union of two hearts but a celebration of the many people who have shaped my journey, especially the dancers and artists who have been my companions over the decades. The overwhelming love and support we received from family, friends, and dance colleagues made this moment unforgettable. It was a beautiful beginning to the next chapter in both my personal life and artistic career.
Saying farewell to Sutra Dance Theatre in August was one of the most bittersweet moments of this year. It was difficult to leave behind a group of dancers whom I had mentored, but watching them grow into confident, powerful artists has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. It’s not a goodbye – more a “see you later.” I will always be part of their journey, and I look forward to witnessing their continued success in the years to come.
In the months that followed, I relocated to Australia to join Dev and his children, Aran and Amara, marking a major transition in both my personal and professional life. This move has been a profound shift, opening up new opportunities for me to connect with the vibrant arts community here, while also adapting to the rhythms of life in a new country. With Jiva Jehanathan Parthipan’s support, I have been fortunate to engage with artists and cultural communities across Australia , from my first Navaratri celebrations in Sydney to conducting workshops and performing at local Diwali events. Each experience has been an inspiring reminder of how dance connects us all, no matter where we are in the world.
In October, I had the honour of being part of the judging panel for The Hunchback of Notre Dame musical in Woolgoolga, a production run by the talented director Jade Naidu. Jade graciously invited me to be a part of this incredible opportunity, and I am deeply grateful for her support, without which this experience would not have been possible. The musical introduced me to the dynamic theatre scene in New South Wales, and I was inspired by the incredible talent and creativity of the artists I encountered. It was a joyful reminder of how the arts unite communities, no matter where they are in the world. Jade’s leadership at Naidu Theatre Company is truly inspiring, and I look forward to seeing the continued success of their productions.
This year has been one of milestones, from my return to bharatanatyam at Sutra Foundation to my transition to a new life and career in Australia. It has been a year of growth, of building new connections, and of reflecting on the powerful impact dance has had on my life. As I continue to teach, perform, and collaborate on both local and international platforms, I am more committed than ever to the belief that dance is not just an art form – it is a bridge that connects us all.
As I settle into life in Coffs Harbour with Dev and his children, Aran and Amara (who are now my children too, they have become my cherished part of my heart, my home and my family), I know that my journey is far from over. I will continue to travel back and forth between Australia and Malaysia, maintaining my close ties with Sutra Foundation, which will always remain my family and the place I grew up in. No matter where I go, Sutra will forever be home. My heart beats in rhythm with the community I’ve nurtured there, and I am so grateful for the love and support they continue to shower me with.
I am equally blessed to have my own family in Malaysia – my mother, sisters, brother, nephews, nieces, cousins, aunties and uncles, who are my constant pillars of strength. Their love, encouragement, and unwavering support mean the world to me, and I can never thank them enough for all they have given me.
Looking back on this amazing year, I feel utterly blessed. From the milestones of personal growth to the continued success of my artistic journey, I am deeply grateful for all that has come my way. It is with a heart full of gratitude that I embrace the future, knowing I am surrounded by the love and encouragement of both my family and my dance community.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I look forward to what the future holds, and I’m grateful to each of you who have walked alongside me, whether in Malaysia, Australia, or beyond. Together, let’s continue to celebrate the art of dance, the beauty of cultural exchange, and the infinite possibilities ahead.
February 2024
Dear friends,
Sutra Foundation presents 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙎𝙏 𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙂, 𝙖 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙪𝙩𝙧𝙖 𝙗𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙮𝙖𝙢!
𝟏𝟒 – 𝟏𝟖 (𝐖𝐞𝐝 – 𝐒𝐮𝐧) 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝐃𝐏𝐀𝐂 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞
Ticket link: https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/first-sighting
Enq: 019-333 1092
With ‘First Sighting’, Sutra Foundation launches 2024 with the premiere of a new bharatanatyam production, featuring 8 Sutra dancers.
At one time, Sutra prided itself as the country’s leading creative force of bharatanatyam. However, over the years Sutra creatively stirred and charged the imagination of Malaysians with bountiful yield of excellent odissi productions, at the expense of its bharatanatyam legacy.
Now, however, Sutra is keen to reclaim once again its previous exalted position in bharatanatyam.
With ‘First Sighting’, Sutra aims to apprise this state of affairs with the energized presence of two accomplished bharatanatyam dancer-teachers, Rathimalar Govindarajoo and Ishwar Muthkumaran, presently helming Sutra’s bharatanatyam faculty.
Rathimalar, a bharatanatyam dancer initially trained in Sutra, became the dance-star of the contemporary modern Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company (UK); Ishwar Muthkumaran, on the other hand, is at the other end of the spectrum, steeped in traditional Tanjore Quartet background.
One can expect an interesting creative ‘clash’ of modernity within a highly traditional paradigm.
The challenge for ‘First Sighting’, is not only to take on the difficult and complex pure dance passages but to come up with fresh and interesting re-arrangements for group composition, while still retaining the classic and traditional aesthetics within the classical format of bharatanatyam.
Book Now!
Sutra Foundation
*𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: 𝗗𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗣𝗔𝗖. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲.
3rd July 2024 – RathiDev
July 2024
Malam Bulan di Panggar Bintang 
#amma @dev_anand83August 2024
A Bittersweet Farewell
October 2024
Had the absolute pleasure of being part of the panel of judges for The Hunchback of Notre Dame Musical production by The Naidu Theatre Company in Woolgoolga last night! 
It was such a fun evening filled with incredible talent – from the dancers to the singers and actors, everyone brought their A-game! 
I’m so impressed by the vibrant talent in this region. The Australian arts scene here in NSW is thriving, and I’m so grateful for this amazing introduction to it! A huge thank you to NAIDU Theatre Company and director @jadenaidu for the opportunity. I can’t wait to see how the full production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame Musical comes together next year, it’s bound to be fantastic! 
Feeling very welcomed and inspired by the creativity here. Looking forward to more beautiful moments and connections in the performing arts community!
#AustralianArts #NSWTheatre#NaiduTheatreCompany#TheHunchbackOfNotreDame#WoolgoolgaTalent#PerformingArtsCommunity#SupportLocalTheatre #SoMuchTalent#Grateful #ArtsInNSW
Navarathri in Sydney
My Vijayadashmi began early this morning with the Samskriti Dance School, under the guidance of the wonderful Teacher Hamsa Venkat. I had the privilege of conducting an Odissi lecture demonstration and workshop, which was an immensely rewarding experience. The hall was filled with around 200 eager students, and later, a smaller group of 15 senior dancers stayed on for a more intimate session.
I am deeply thankful to Hamsa for this incredible opportunity, and I owe so much to Jiva @jivajivaprijects , who has connected me with such a vibrant community of artists, teachers, and friends.
In just one week here, I’ve been embraced by a new family, a temple, and a school. It’s a truly humbling experience, and I am filled with gratitude. Tonight, I completed my Vijayadashmi by performing Kalyan Pallavi at a temple’s fundraising event, held in a local community hall, as part of their sacred Vijayadashmi prayers. Back home, Amma and Leckharaj are on their way to Sutra to offer this dance to my beloved guru mentor, Master @ramliibrahimofficial . I send him my heartfelt salutations on this auspicious day and wish my @sutradancetheatre family a joyous celebration tonight. ♥️🌸🙏🏽
Tomorrow, I return to @dev_anand83 in Coffs Harbour, and I can’t wait to reunite with him and our children. I’ve missed them dearly and am looking forward to spending cherished family time together. Yet, I also look forward to future trips to Sydney – to continue teaching, collaborating, and sharing the beauty of dance with this wonderful community.
Thank you to everyone who made this journey possible. Happy Vijayadashmi 🙏🏽🌸
#Vijayadashmi #OdissiDance #DanceWorkshop #SamskritiDanceSchool #rathimalargovindarajoo #SydneyDanceCommunity #IndianClassicalDance #Gratitude #DanceFamily #OdissiWorkshop #Humbled #SydneyArtists #CulturalConnection #Navaratri2024
Coffs Harbour
I performed at a Diwali event last Saturday, organized by a group of doctors from India who now live in Coffs Harbour. It is good that many people are here to support me♥️🙏🏽
From Malaysia to Australia’s shores, finding roots with a new-found family beneath these jacaranda skies. After the colors of Navarathri in Sydney, today felt like a pause … where love, joy, and blooms intertwined. In this moment, everything feels right… And shoutout to my husband for being my personal photographer today, thank you, @dev_anand83 #RathiDev #JacarandaMagic#NewBeginnings #NewJourney#GratitudeInBloom
November 2024
Hello everyone! We are delighted to introduce a distinguished guest, Rathimalar Govindarajoo, for our Diwali Fest Event. She is a visionary in the performing arts field, both within Malaysia and globally. With over a decade of dance education experience, her influence is celebrated internationally.
Rathimalar was one of the founding dancers with the Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company in London, where she performed from 2001 to 2006. Upon returning to Malaysia, she inspired many as a Dance Education Specialist in international schools. Additionally, she has been a dedicated disciple of Dato’ Ramli Ibrahim, contributing more than 35 years to the Sutra Foundation Sutra Dance Theatre.
Recently, Rathimalar relocated to Coffs Harbour to join her husband, Dev Anand. She now freelances as a teacher, choreographer, dancer, and artistic collaborator on both local and international platforms.
We are honoured to have her showcase the Indian classical dance form, Odissi, at our Diwali Event. – MNCIA Team