In her journey as a Bharatanatyam exponent, Rama Vaidyanathan’s perseverance has secured her a position that is peerless. She is the one dancer who has had the privilege of performing in almost every prestigious function in every nook and corner of the world, impressing dignitaries, urban and rural, lay and discerning audience. Her unique choreographic work, “Mad and Divine”, an interpretation of the Marathi poet Janabai of the 13th Century and the 14th Century Kashmiri poet Lalleshwari, was very impressive. Using the margam of Bharatanatyam, she produced a piece which was of eternal beauty. As a choregrapher, she can compose a traditional piece with as much expertise as a contemporary one.
Her mentor Yamini Krishnamurthy who has groomed her meticulously, said at a felicitation ceremony of Vaidyanathan in Amravati, that she was the best student she had groomed. Besides being a performer, Vaidynathan knows her role as a guru too and gives those under her a holistic approach to life in general and dance in particular.
Recently, she impressed viewers at the dance festival of Madras Music Academy with the not so oft chosen varnam “Karuna Choodaveni sakkani sami” in raga Athana, a traditional number, as well “Vrikasanjali” with its very topical theme “save trees” , venturing into dissecting in the vocabulary of Bharatanatyam, Subramania Bharati’s poetry “Aasai Mugam”.
Excerpts from an interaction:
What is the secret to your success as a Bharatanatyam dancer?
I think a mixed dose of confidence and boldness that made me take risks. And above all, I listen to my heart.
The full credit of training me goes to my mentors Guru Yamini Krishnamurthy and Saroja Vaidyanathan. The former selflessly taught me the technique and the latter intelligently guided me towards success.
What influences and impulses make you want to choreograph a piece?
I get influenced by other forms of creative expressions like literature, poetry, painting and even nature because that is a result of God’s own creative expressions.
You have many interesting choreographic works to your credit. Does choreography comes naturally to you?
I love creating my pieces; in fact the whole process fascinates me and I enjoy every moment of the creative process. I guess it comes naturally.
How difficult is it to find a story to express yourself?
When you enjoy doing something nothing seems difficult. At best it could be challenging. However, I have never felt lost in the process. These were sweet challenges worth facing.
How do you choose a topic for your choreography?
It comes to me through various sources...nature, philosophy, social causes.
Do you make an extra effort to remain at the top?
Yes, I do. I put in consistent hard work to maintain standards.
Which of three do you enjoy most: Performing, teaching, choreographing?
I love choreographing and composing the most.
