"Her feet strike the floor like thunder claps. Her face and form take the viewer through every possible emotion until the viewer and dancer are almost one"  Kassandra Sterling, Portland DownTowner.

US Tour: September & October 2010: Dr. Jayanthi Raman's SHRISHTI - Creation
Original music score by Ganesh Rajagopalan (Ganesh Kumaresh)

THE PRODUCTION: SHRISHTI- Creation

Watch video of Shrishti on KLEWTV.com presented by Festival Dance Great Performance Series, ID.

Reviews of Raman's Shrishti Dance Ballet

"….Dr. Jayanthi Raman, the women behind Shrishti: Creation.......... happens to be one of our region's best choreographers and performers of traditional East Indian dance...." 
Tiffany Harms, Inlander, Spokane, WA October 2010.

“As Director of the Asian Studies program, I just wanted to say that we found your performance captivating in many ways.  First, the artistry, singing, and staging was superb.  I, like many in the audience, were introduced to a new world of Indian dance.  Your newest production allows both old hands and young students to stretch our imaginations beyond Bollywood productions.  Second, your work is a rich cultural resource that should be shared far beyond the Pacific Northwest.  Many universities and communities across America would treasure the opportunity to host your production.  Your work presents both its style and content in a was that I believe any audience will benefit from its rich cultural heritage.  Thank you again for visiting Central Washington University.”
James A. Cook, Ph.D.; Associate Professor; Department of History; Central Washington University.

“The Jayanthi Raman Dance Company thoroughly impressed and charmed our audience with the performance of Shrishti.  Authentic, spiritual, colorful, educational- everyone left enriched and uplifted. The Company’s performance for 1,000 school children was both educational and impactful.  The sound of 1,000 children saying ‘Namaste’ touched my soul.” 
– Cindy Barnhart, Executive Director, Festival Dance and Performing Arts, ID.

Click on link:  http://observer.cwu.edu/story/indian-dancers-inspire-soothe-central-students

Choreographer and artistic director Dr. Jayanthi Raman brings together a brilliant cast of musicians and dancers in the 2010 multimedia production ‘Shrishti- Creation’. Featuring Dr. Raman as the principal dancer and an illustrious 10 member troupe of dancers and accompanying live orchestra of musicians (vocal, percussion and bamboo flute); from India with lighting technician.

Featuring three classical dance styles including Bharatha Natyam, Manipuri including Pung drummers and Odissi dancers.

Designed for global audience, the production is choreographed to chants from ancient scriptures to contemporary music and rhythm of ancient percussions. The production is further enhanced by exquisite costuming, authentic jewelry, and elaborate lighting, adding visual dimension to the ballet.

Dr. Raman features a seamless contemporary choreography using Bharatha Natyam, the dazzling and vigorous classical dance style from South India as foundation, and two classical dance styles: the lyrical and graceful Odissi and the elegant and energetic Pung drummer dancers from Manipur. The production also incorporates movements of Yoga, folk and tribal dances as well as theater traditions to bring the magic and beauty of Indian performing arts to global audiences.

With original music score composed by renowned violin maestro and composer Ganesh Rajagopalan of Ganesh Kumaresh fame. Ganesh Kumaresh, the world-renowned Violin duo are known for their scintillating and spirited Violin recitals since three decades. Their music is laden with pure virtuosity and brims with novel surges of soul stirring creativity soaked in Classicism. Their creative idiom is international and their communication through music crosses all physical boundaries.
More about this charismatic maestro instrumentalist and composer at his website.

THE CONCEPT: SHRISHTI- Creation

Tradition perceives the origin of dance in Lord Shiva. His cosmic dance symbolizes the celestial cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm of birth and death. Lord Shiva with his little drum played and danced creating sounds set to syllabic discipline in the unruly universe. The cosmic disorder was turned to ordered movement. In the process were evolved rhythm, melody and word - the steps still held in great reverence by all forms of Indian classical dances- and creation of order in the universe.

With creation, comes the creation of man and his effect on this Earth. The story of the holy river Ganga is depicted. The mythology of Ganga descent to Earth and the more contemporary issue of current state of pollution are explored. The Ganges is the river of India, which has held India's heart captive and drawn millions to her banks since the dawn of history. The intense devotion for Ganga is no small measure due to the fact that she is the only accessible physical entity that flows both in the heavens and on the earth and the conservation of this river is critical issue of our times.

THE ARTISTS: SHRISHTI- Creation

Concept, script, narration & choreography by artistic director of the company: Dr. Jayanthi Raman

Featuring Dr. Raman as the principal dancer and an illustrious 10 member troupe of dancers and accompanying live orchestra of musicians (vocal, percussion and bamboo flute); from India with lighting technician.
Featuring three classical dance styles including Bharatha Natyam, Manipuri including Pung drummers from Manipuri Nartanalaya and Odissi from Orissa Dance Academy.

Choreographer, Principal Dancer and Artistic Director:  Dr. Jayanthi Raman (Bharatha Natyam)

Bharatha Natyam dancers: Dr. Jayanthi Raman & Shradha Balu
Odissi dancers: Yudhisthir Nayak & Madhusmita Mohanty
Pung drummers: Brojen Thingom & Tomba Singha

Orchestra:
Vocal: P. Ramaa
Mridangam: Janardhan
Bamboo Flute: Raghunandan

TOUR ITINERARY: SHRISHTI- Creation

Friday 10 September 2010: Lec Demonstration - Intel JFCC Auditorium
Sunday 12 September: Concert at Newmark Theater, PCPA, Portland, OR
Monday 13 September: Lecture and master classes, Moscow, Idaho
Tuesday September 14 2010: Workshop at Washington State University, Moscow, Idaho
Tuesday September 14 2010: Concert at Festival Dance & Performing Arts, Moscow, Idaho
Wednesday September 15 2010: Concert at College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, Idaho
Thursday 16 September: Concert at Sun Valley Resort, Sun Valley, Idaho
Saturday 18 September 2010: Concert at Austin IFA- India Fine Arts, Austin, TX
September 30 October 2010: Lecture Demonstration - Spokane Falls Community College & Library, Spokane, WA
Saturday 2 October 2010: Concert at Bing Crosby Theater, Spokane, WA
Sunday 3 October 2010: Concert at Calgary, CA
Wednesday 6 October 2010: Concert at Yakima Valley Community College, WA
Thursday 7 October 2010: Concert at Central Washington University, WA
Sunday 10 October 2010: Concert at Lemont Temple, Chicago

Portland concert supported by Individual artist grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council for production and presentation.
Supported and commissioned by Rasika with grant from the Collins Foundation.

 

PAST PRODUCTIONS

NATYANJALI 2008

Celebrating 15 years of Natya Dance School, performances by Dr. Raman, Ramya Raman and dancers of NATYA Dance School at the Portland Center for Performing Arts to full house audiences.

HERITAGE INDIA 2007

Performance in classical and folk dances by Dr. Raman, Ramya Raman and dancers of NATYA Dance School, commissioned by Microsoft at Seattle, WA.

KRISHNA BHAKTI 2006

Choreographed by Raman, the story of Andal & Meera; Original music score by the renowned Veenai Jayanthi Kumaresh, featuring Manipuri dancer Sohini Ray and senior dancers of Natya; west coast tour receiving rave reviews.

Sponsored in part by Individual Artist Grant for Dr. Jayanthi Raman from Regional Arts & Culture Council, RACC.

GAJAMUKHA 2004

30 City tour of Raman's new choreographic work and tenth full length ballet production; with exceptional reviews across the nation with NDP grant support for Raman with dream team of dancers and musicians and original music score by renowned musicians from India.

KRISHNA BHAKTI 2003

Performed at PSU Lincoln Performance Hall, Portland, with live orchestra.

Sponsored in part by Individual Artist Grant for Dr. Jayanthi Raman from Regional Arts & Culture Council, RACC.

ANANDA TANDAVAM 2002

A grand Bharatha Natyam full length dance ballet exploring the various aspects of Lord Shiva - the cosmic dancer and the divine God of dance. Accompanied by live orchestra.

Sponsored in part by Individual Artist Grant for Dr. Jayanthi Raman from Regional Arts & Culture Council, RACC.

NATYA STHUTHI 2001

Classical Bharatha Natyam, Mohini Attam & folk dances; Deepavali and Onam Thematic Dances; Dr. Jayanthi Raman, as Principal Dancer & Senior dancers of Natya Dance Academy with Music composed and vocal by Geetha R. Bennett, Concept/Choreography by Jayanthi Raman

Sponsored in part by Individual Artist Grant for Dr. Jayanthi Raman from Regional Arts & Culture Council, RACC.

OM GANESHA 2000

Grand Dance Ballet production in classical Bharatha Natyam. Performed at Salt Lake City, San Jose and Portland

Sponsored in part by Individual Artist Grant for Jayanthi Raman from the Regional Arts and Culture Council, Portland.

VANDE MATARAM  1999

Choreographed and presented by Portland’s renowned performing artist, teacher and choreographer - Jayanthi Raman. The ballet is an interpretation of Mahakavi Bharathiyar’s poetry through the medium of traditional music and dances of India. Featuring guest dancers- Nandita Behera (Director, Odissi Dance Circle) and Bhairavi Kumar (Director, Nrityodaya Kathak Academy) with Jayanthi Raman and artists of Natya Dance Academy.
Music composed and sung by exponent of Carnatic and Hindustani music, vocalist Prema Ramamurthy from India. Stunning lighting effects, elaborate props, colorful authentic costumes and jewelry from India, added visual dimension to the ballet.

Sponsored in part by grant for individual artist Jayanthi Raman, from Regional Arts and Culture Council, Portland.

BHARATHAM 1998

"Bharatham," - a traditional dance recital, starting with the invocatory dance and leading to the concluding Tillana, as in the Bharatha Natyam recitals performed in India. The innovative item, Bhava Raga Talam, is my interpretation of the importance of these three elements of dance, to be entertaining and educational for students, experts and connoisseurs of dance. This is the fourth annual dance concert presented by Natya dance academy.

SHIVA SHAKTI 1997

This concert featured an ensemble cast of ten musicians and dancers featuring Raman as the lead artist and accompanied by artists from India and Portland. The power and grandeur of Goddess Shakti and the God of dance Shiva are presented through the medium of Indian dance and music. Choreographed by Jayanthi Raman in the classical and distinct Bharatha Natyam style of dance, this ballet is set in classical Carnatic music of south India. Durga, Kali as well as Parvathi and Uma, the consort of Shiva and manifestations of Shakti are presented. Authentic costumes, elaborate choreography and visual effects add yet another dimension to the dance ballet.

This ballet was sponsored in part by individual artist grant for Jayanthi Raman from the Regional Arts and Culture Council.

KRISHNA LEELA 1996

Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and beloved Gods in India. The story of Lord Krishna is presented in this dance drama. A colorful and exciting presentation, this ballet is a unique fusion of classical, semi-classical and folk dance styles of India. The artists adorn authentic elaborate costumes and exotic jewelry from India. The choreography brings to life the various characters potrayed. Episodes from the Mahabharath, preaching of the Bhagavat Gita, songs of Mirabai, Andal and the pranks and miracles performed by Lord Krishna are presented. This concert featured an ensemble of dancers featuring Raman as the lead artists and accompanied by artists from Natya dance academy and local artists.

This ballet was sponsored in part by individual artist grant for Jayanthi Raman from the Regional Arts and Culture Council.

VALLI 1995

This ballet is the story of the gypsy princess from South India, Valli. Her love and devotion to Lord Karthikeya and their blissful union is potrayed in this ballet. The combination of the classical dance, Bharatha Natyam and folk dances like Kavadi, Kolattam and Kurathi Attam make this ballet unique and fascinating.

SOLO BHARATHA NATYAM CONCERTS

1999: NW Folklife Festival, Seattle

1999: Vipanchee Festival, Madras Music Academy, India

1998: NW Folklife Festival, Seattle

1998: Asian Pacific Heritage American Celebration, Portland

1997: NW Folklife Festival, Seattle

1996: Heritage Celebrations, Beaverton Arts Commission

1996: ArtFest, Bank of America sponsored event

1996: NW Folklife Festival, Seattle

1995: ArtBeat Celebrations, Portland

1994: ArtQuake Festival, Portland. Featured solo classical Indian dancer

1994: NW Folklife Festival, Seattle

1993: Natyanjali Festival, Chidambaram (photo right)

1993: NW Folklife Festival, Seattle

1993: UN Festival, Portland

1991: Louisiana State University: Lecture Demonstration and solo classical Bharatha Natyam dance concert

1991: Asian Festival, Featured Bharatha Natyam dancer, Solo concert, Portland

1990

Jayanthi Raman's premier Bharatha Natyam dance recital in Portland accompanied by live orchestra. Oregon has been her home now for the past 20 years. The concert was well attended with good press coverage; she received both preview and review for the concert.

Review
"Classical Indian dancer enchants audience. Her hands, painted with bright red dye that made each finger stand out, were almost in constant motion, moving from one mudra to another, exquisite to watch." Phil Hunt, The Oregonian, 1990.

1978 to 1988

Jayanthi Raman has performed numerous concerts in major cities in India since 1978. She has toured India and performed at Madras, Bombay, Durgapur, Calcutta, Sholapur, Bangalore and Orissa. She has also performed at Nepal. She has performed with eminent artists such as her guru Venkatachalapathy, her sister Smt. Radha, and cine fame Hema Malini. She and her sister have performed Bharatha Natyam, sponsored by VGP Cultural Academy, Madras, India. Raman has performed at many dance festivals including the Kalamandir and Sankarabaranam sponsored inaugural festival in Madras. She has performed in prestigious sabhas such as the Rasika Ranjani Sabha, Madras Music Academy, Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore Fine Arts and at Kalaivanar Arangam, in Madras, India. She has also performed concerts sponsored by the Shipping Corporation of India, Indian Railways, Department of Tourism and at the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras. Raman has performed in numerous productions done by Bharatha Choodamani under the auspices of guru and director, Adyar K. Lakshman. She has done many fund raising concerts for local charities in India.