Ramya S. Kapadia is a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, instructor and a Carnatic vocalist (South Indian classical dance & music forms). Ramya believes that art can and should tell stories that inspire audiences to be compassionate and empathetic. As a former medical physicist and neuroscientist, Ramya is constantly seeking ways to merge the arts and the sciences. She has taught master classes to students across the globe over the last 10 years. Through her school Natyarpana & partnerships with the Durham Arts & United Arts Councils and Arts Access, she shares the rich traditions of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam with the community.
Artist Work Samples
Sample Programs Offered
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
In a week-long residency, the students are taught specialized hand gestures coupled with body language, lyrics &/or melodies. They learn to use these tools to first create geometrical and abstract shapes, then relate these to their surroundings and finally, weave stories both ancient and contemporary entirely through mime, without using props. This practice teaches us to pay close attention to the nature of all beings and thereby become more empathetic.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
Bharatanatyam – Expression through Movement & Mime Performance
Through a lecture-demonstration type performance, the students are introduced to specialized hand gestures coupled with body language through which geometrical and abstract shapes are created in space, which, when related to their surroundings, help weave stories rich in life lessons. The stories are created entirely through mime, without using props. In-person & virtual options available.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
The Dandelion Project – Where Science Meets Bharatanatyam
Students learn the differences between plants and weeds, the life cycle and the uses of the dandelion and also explore ideas of acceptance, being wanted, facing rejection and self-love through the story of a dandelion who wants to be one of Kama’s (Cupid’s) five flower arrows.
*Kama or Cupid is a mythological figure in India who shoots flower arrows to create various degrees of desire or inspiration in those he strikes.*
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
