In a world where cultural traditions are constantly evolving, Ramya S Kapadia stands as a beacon of grace, creativity, and perseverance. As the founder and artistic director of the Natyarpana School of Dance & Music, Ramya has carved out a unique space for herself as a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, instructor, and Carnatic vocalist. Her journey is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the arts.
Early Inspirations and Artistic Foundations of Ramya S Kapadia
Ramya’s journey into the world of Bharatanatyam began under the meticulous guidance of Smt. Santha Gopinath of Kalakshetra, renowned for its rigorous training and emphasis on traditional values. Later, Ramya S Kapadia continued her pursuit of excellence under Smt. Kripa Baskaran in Brookfield, Wisconsin, where she honed her technique and deepened her understanding of the art form. Her journey was not just about mastering dance; it was about finding her voice through movement, storytelling, and rhythm.
Parallel to her dance training, Ramya’s journey as a Carnatic vocalist was nurtured by her mother, Smt. Gayathri Sundaresan, who laid the foundation of her musical knowledge. Ramya S Kapadia further advanced her vocal skills under the esteemed guidance of Late Guru V. Vamanan in Mumbai, India. This unique blend of dance and music became her signature, setting her apart as an artist who could seamlessly weave complex narratives through both movement and melody.
A Multi-Faceted Artist with Global Reach
Ramya’s artistic vision transcends geographical boundaries. Ramya S Kapadia has toured extensively across the United States and internationally, presenting solo and group works that resonate with audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds. Her versatility as an artist is not confined to performing; she regularly provides vocal accompaniment to dancers worldwide and composes music that breathes life into their productions.
Her collaborations are deeply rooted in a philosophy that art should be a powerful medium for storytelling, capable of inspiring audiences to become more compassionate and empathetic human beings. This philosophy is reflected in her choice of collaborators, which include artists, scientists, literary scholars, and philosophers. Together, they explore themes that resonate with a global audience, creating works that are both thought-provoking and deeply moving.
Academic Excellence Meets Artistic Passion
One of the most remarkable aspects of Ramya’s journey is her academic background. Ramya S Kapadia holds Master’s degrees in Medical Physics and Neuroscience, showcasing her intellectual prowess and analytical thinking. However, her passion for the arts was so profound that she chose to pursue it full-time, a decision that required immense courage and conviction.
Through her school, the Natyarpana School of Dance & Music in Durham, North Carolina, Ramya S Kapadia shares the rich traditions of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam with the youth of the Triangle Area. Her dedication to nurturing young talent is not merely about teaching technique; it is about fostering a love for the arts and cultivating a generation of empathetic and culturally aware individuals.
Awards and Recognitions: Celebrating Excellence
Ramya’s contributions to the arts have not gone unnoticed. Ramya S Kapadia received the Ella Pratt Emerging Artist Award from the Durham Arts Council in 2010, a testament to her exceptional talent and creative vision. In 2016, she was honored with the Choreography Fellowship from the North Carolina Dance Alliance, recognizing her innovative approach to dance and storytelling.
Her impact extends beyond performance and choreography. As a Teaching Artist with the Durham and United Arts Councils, Arts Access, and the Tennessee Arts Commission, Ramya is actively involved in integrating the principles of Bharatanatyam with the STEAM curriculum in schools. She is particularly passionate about making the arts accessible to children with special needs, ensuring that cultural education is inclusive and enriching for all.
Pioneering a Global Perspective on Bharatanatyam and Carnatic Music
Ramya’s vision for Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music is refreshingly global. Ramya S Kapadia perceives these ancient art forms not as relics of the past but as dynamic, evolving traditions that can resonate with contemporary audiences worldwide. This perspective is evident in her commissioned works for organizations like Roopa Cultural Arts, the American Dance Festival, and Durham Independent Dance Artists, where she explores the global nature of Indian classical arts.
Her collaborations have produced powerful narratives that bridge cultural divides, celebrating the universal human experience. Her belief that art should move audiences to become better, more compassionate human beings underpins every performance, composition, and choreography she creates.
A Trailblazer in Visual Art and Writing
In addition to her accomplishments in dance and music, Ramya is an accomplished visual artist specializing in Warli tribal art from Western India. In 2019, she received the Public Space Project award from Downtown Durham Inc., resulting in a stunning Warli mural that depicted Durham’s changing landscape from the 1600s to the present. Her Warli artwork has also been featured in Black History Month exhibits at the Knoxville Art Alliance, showcasing her ability to use traditional art forms to tell modern stories.
In 2023, Ramya S Kapadia published her first book, “Taikamaa & the Twin Stars”, a children’s fiction novel that beautifully weaves together her storytelling prowess and cultural heritage. Her journey as a writer is a testament to her belief in the power of narratives to inspire, educate, and transform lives.
A Visionary Leader and Community Builder
Ramya’s journey is not just about personal achievement; it is about building a community that celebrates cultural diversity and fosters mutual respect. She has served on advisory boards for organizations like the Leela Foundation, the South Indian Fine Arts Academy, and the Knoxville Indian Classical Music Group, playing a pivotal role in promoting Indian classical arts in the United States.
For her outstanding contributions to the arts and her role in bringing communities together, Ramya received the Women of Inspiration Award™ in Arts and Entertainment across the USA & Canada from the Universal Women’s Network in 2023.
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