Kripa Guha

 Rarely does one find the coming together of art and intellect, the magic of dance and the mystery of music merging into one seamless entity, an artist whose body, mind and soul speak the unified language of dance, a dancer like Rama Suresh.” The Hindu

 

A virtuoso in this ancient classical dance form, an acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and teacher, Rama Suresh continues to bring tremendous energy and dedication to promoting and preserving the ancient art form of Bharatanatyam. Rama has had intensive training spanning over three decades, with the grand masters of the Tanjavur tradition of Bharata Natyam, Guru Thanjai M. Vasudevan Pillai, Guru Thanjai M. Arunachalam Pillai and Guru Thanjai A. Hemanath. Rama has performed in several countries and has been the recipient of government grants from the Sangeeth Natak Academy in India and the Master Artist grants from the Illinois Arts Council. In 1997 Rama was conferred with the prestigious title of “Natya Mani”. This divine art, which has touched her soul and spirit, is both her passion and prayer.

 

Rama Suresh, is also the founder and Artistic Director of Mythili Dance Academy, Peoria, IL. Having completed 20 glorious years of providing instruction to several students, Mythili Dance Academy is one of the oldest and premier institutions of Bharatanatyam in Peoria, IL. In her capacity as a teacher for over 2 decades, Rama has brought to stage several dancers who have completed their Arangetrams (debut performances) and have emerged as teachers in their own right. Rama continues the century old tradition of passing on this divine art form to the next generation by identifying and training students who have the dedication and passion for this art form, thereby extending the frontiers of Bharatanatyam towards new horizons.