May 1, 2020
Dear friend,
Allowing yourself to be a true student - completely committed to a specific pursuit - is humbling, arduous , and incredibly rewarding. As lifelong students of Bharatanatyam, we are deeply committed to passing on what we have learned to the next generation.
For us, a central focus is providing guidance during this current reality. As Ragamala continues to virtually choreograph, rehearse, and engage with the community, we are also distance teaching our school of 65 students - working to maintain their progress, uphold their connection to their culture, and keep them motivated during an unprecedented time in their young lives.
Starting today until May 8, Ragamala is participating in a statewide campaign called #GiveAtHomeMN to provide the best experience for our students and continue the vital work of our teachers.
We hope you enjoy this week's offerings; until next week, please stay safe and healthy,
Ranee, Aparna, Ashwini, and
the Ragamala staff
EXPERIENCE
Walker At Home - Instagram Live Artist Talk: Ranee Rama swamy and Philip Bither
Saturday, May 2, 3-3:30pm
This Saturday at 3pm (CDT), the Walker Art Center is going live with Ragamala's Founder/Co-Director Ranee Ramaswamy. Senior Curator of Performing Arts Philip Bither guides us through Ranee's career, Ragamala's work with the Walker, and new possibilities for the future. Tune in to @walkerartcenter on Instagram to listen and comment on this live conversation.
ENGAGE
Hear from our students about how learning Bharatanatyam from home is helping them stay connected - #GiveatHomeMN May 1-8
The Ragamala School provides students of all ages with rigorous Bharatanatyam training while offering them an opportunity to learn about, preserve, and immerse themselves in the arts and culture of India.
We welcome the task of bringing the Ragamala School into the social-distancing age, but we need your help.
Adjusting to these changes does not come without challenges. Our teachers' dedication to their students means many more hours spent preparing for classes, watching videos and providing feedback, reviewing digital journal progress, assigning new work, and individually working with each student to make sure that they are progressing.
YOUR SUPPORT DURING #GIVEATHOMEMN BETWEEN
MAY 1-8 WILL...
Help to foster the physical and mental health of Ragamala students
Maintain connection to friends, community, and ancestry in a time of isolation
Fund Ragamala's teachers, maintaining their full-time livelihood as working artists
Provide our students with vital structure, curriculum, motivation, and fortitude to bear through this time and come out of it still connected to their rich and vital Indian-American artistic heritage
EXPLORE
The Rubin Daily Offering
Himalayan art contains powerful tools for shifting perspectives, which can help us navigate our lives, especially in moments of crisis. The Rubin Museum's new Daily Offering series provides art, ideas, and practices inspired by our collection to help us achieve greater balance at a moment of considerable upheaval.
We would love to stay connected with you: please let us know your reactions to the videos, article, and recipe we have shared this week by commenting on this post or posting on our Facebook page.
As we all navigate this strange and uncertain time, we know that many organizations could use your support. If you are able, please consider supporting Ragamala so we may continue to provide artistic experiences that move and connect us all long into the future.