2018–19 Youth Performance Lessons & Resources: Ragamala Dance Company Written in Water

TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS

Ragamala Dance Company Written in Water 2018–19 Youth Performance Lessons & Resources 1

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GREETING

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WHY ATTEND?

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OVERVIEW

About the Dance About the Program About the Company Preparing for the Performance More to Explore

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LESSONS & ACTIVITIES

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YOUR VISIT

Venue Details Getting Here Inside the Hall Audience Etiquette

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

YOUTH PERFORMANCE

Ragamala Dance Company Written in Water Thu, Oct 18, 2018 11 am–12:15 pm Bass Concert Hall

This performance is made possible by a generous grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

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GREETING 4

Let’s celebrate cultural diversity!

I’m looking forward to seeing you and your students at the Ragamala Dance Company youth performance! Texas Performing Arts is pleased to be able to offer youth performances free of charge, thanks to the generous support of H-E-B and several individual donors.

This booklet provides materials for you to learn more about the artists and the piece they will perform, Written in Water. Additionally, there are logistical details to help you plan for your visit.

Use the videos, lesson documents, and quizzes to nurture your students’ familiarity and comfort level with the distinctive music, costumes, and dance style.

Special thanks to Anuradha Naimpally and Neha Sukumar for sharing their knowledge with us for this project.

We appreciate you planning this experience for your students. Thank you for your dedication to teaching!

Sincerely,

Brenda Simms Education & Curriculum Development, Campus & Community Engagement Texas Performing Arts The University of Texas at Austin bsimms@texasperformingarts.org

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At this performance, students will have the opportunity to: • Develop Global Awareness Exposure, awareness, and familiarity with traditions from other cultures opens our minds to an appreciation of the differences and similarities between all people.

• Respectufully Observe & Analyze the Perspective of Others Recognizing and understanding various cultures provides a successful pathway for future social and business encounters.

• Celebrate the Indian Culture Ragamala Dance Company’s performance offers students a first-hand interaction with Indian culture and the opportunity to celebrate and value diversity of another country and its history.

WHY ATTEND? 6

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If a person allows themselves to encounter the unfamiliar, to seek out new experiences, they will contribute to a more tolerant and, ultimately, evolved society. We believe that art is a vital, non-threatening way for people to understand other cultures and perhaps gain empathy for immigrants.� —Ashwini Ramaswamy, Member of Ragamala Dance Company

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ABOUT THE DANCE

What is Bharatanatyam?

Bharatanatyam is a traditional, classical dance form from South India that was historically performed for worship in Hindu temples.

In ancient times, devidasis (translation: devi-divinity; dasi-female servant), women who dedicated their lives to dance and religious devotion, performed Bharatanatyam as a ritual and part of the religious life of the temples.

Over time, Bharatanatyam evolved from a temple dance to a public art form, with adaptations for modern audiences across the world.

Origins There are two ways of explaining Bharatanatyam’s etymology. Some believe the word was formed by combining four Sanskrit words: BHA: Bhavam (expression) RA: Ragam (melodic mode) TA: Talam (rhythm) NATYAM: (dance) Others believe that “Bharata” is a reference to an Indian sage who authored the Natya Shastra, an important treatise on Indian theater, dance, and music. The ancient text emphasizes the belief that both dance and music are inseparable from drama.

Practice saying bharatanatyam (buh-ruh-tuh-nawt-yem) Audio File bit.ly/2Csj31A

OVERVIEW 8

The History of Bharatanatyam Dance (2:50) Video bit.ly/2DYUTgT

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ABOUT THE PROGRAM

“When you write in water, it’s not concrete, so it is something that is constantly changing.” —Ranee Ramaswamy Ragamala Dance Company premiered Written in Water in October 2016. The piece explores the universal story of a seeker on a journey to discover the mysteries of life. It combines Bharatanatyam dance, live music blending South Indian Carnatic, Iraqi Maqam, and American Jazz styles, and projected Indian artwork.

The dancers explore life’s journey through these three components: • Paramapadam: This 2nd century Indian board game is a precursor to Snakes & Ladders. The gameboard projected on stage serves as a physical and metaphorical framework through which the dancers navigate the vices and virtues of life. The snakes represent bad deeds that demote the dancers while the ladders represent good deeds that bring them closer to divinity. A children’s variation of this board game was introduced in the United States as Chutes & Ladders.

• Ksheerabthi Madanam: This Hindu mythological story, also known as the Samudra Manthan and Churning of the Milky Water, is a metaphor for a world in chaos. Tension between good and evil arises in the spiritual endeavor of humans to achieve self-realization.

• The Conference of the Birds: This 12th century Sufi* poem frames the story of the program. The story of the birds’ journey through seven valleys to find their ideal king mirrors the dancers’ journey through a variety of experiences and, finally, ultimate oneness with the divine. *Sufism is an Islamic belief and practice in which Muslims seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge of God by following mystical paths designed to reveal the nature of humanity and of God.

OVERVIEW 10

Written in Water Trailer (1:34) Video bit.ly/2Ow1O5d

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ABOUT THE COMPANY

Ragamala Dance Company is acclaimed as one of the United States’ leading dance ensembles performing South Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam.

The dance company’s founder Ranee Ramaswamy currently serves as Co-Artistic director, Choreographer, and Principal Dancer along with her creative partner (and daughter) Aparna Ramaswamy. As dancemakers and performers, their creative vision merges the rich traditions and deep philosophical roots of their Indian heritage with their perspective as Indian-Americans. The name Ragamala translates as garland (mala) of melodies or moods (raga).

In addition to Ranee Ramaswamy and her daughter Aparna Ramaswamy, Ragamala Dance Company members include Ashwini Ramaswamy (also Ranee’s daughter), Tamara Nadel, and Jessica Fiala.

Forging new artistic paradigms, Ragamala commissioned a score from Carnatic composer Prema Ramamurthy and Iraqi-American composer/musician Amir ElSaffar, who leads a live, 5-person musical ensemble with a distinct alchemy of Iraqi, jazz, and South Indian instruments.

The work unfolds amidst lush images of paintings commissioned from In-

OVERVIEW 12

dia-based visual artist V. Keshav projected on the stage floor and upstage scrim. His deep knowledge of mythology and philosophy makes him suited for the unique blending of ancient and contemporary art in Written in Water.

The ensemble includes renowned contemporary jazz musician Amir ElSaffar on trumpet, santur, and vocals; award-winning international Carnatic vocalist Preethy Mahesh; lead Indian classical and crossover musician Arun Ramamurthy on violin; Indian musical ambassador and multi-percussionist Rohan Krishnamurthy on mridangam; and nattuvangam (cymbals/rhythmic recitation) by Kasi Aysola.

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PREPARING FOR THE PERFORMANCE

What you experience at the Ragamala Dance youth performance may be different than anything you’ve seen or heard before. Consider these things: · Relax and absorb everything you see and hear. · Don’t worry about following a storyline. · Focus on the dancers’ movements, costumes, jewelry, hair, makeup, and facial expressions. · Focus on the sounds of the musical instruments and the voices. · Focus on the projected artwork. · Experience the emotions coming from what you see and hear. · Take mental notes so that you can respond to these questions afterwards: · What did you see and hear? · What did you feel? · What questions do you have?

OVERVIEW 14

What to Look for at the Performance (6:13) Video bit.ly/2NmmWGs

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MORE TO EXPLORE

More about members of Ragamala Dance Company Website bit.ly/2NjKR9k Interview with Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy (4:40) Video bit.ly/2P277Xa Ragamala Dance Company’s Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy discuss Written in Water (3:05) Video bit.ly/2RhL6VA Supplemental Materials Document bit.ly/2IzI0Zp

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More work by visual artist, Keshav Website bit.ly/2O6Ar2n

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Developed in partnership with area schools for the Performing Arts and Academic Connection program, these TEKS standards-aligned lesson introduce students to the context and content of Written in Water.

Document bit.ly/2y1RW9W Lesson 1: Snakes and Ladders · Foundations Play Snakes and Ladders Explore the evolution of Snakes and Ladders Design a new version of the game · Going Deeper Read and respond to an expository text Respond to an argumentative short essay prompt · Connect and Extend Explore an online Smithsonian exhibit Short on Time?

Watch the “Snakes and Ladders—How the Meaning of an Ancient Children’s Game Adapted Over Time” video

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Lesson 2: The Samudra Manthan · Foundations Explore a myth from the Hindu tradition.

Discuss the importance of understanding global cultures · Going Deeper Work in small groups to storyboard the Samudra Manthan Present storyboards out loud to the class · Connect and Extend Collaborate to conduct research or create a tableau Short on Time?

Students can work in small groups to read and annotate the full text and/or explore the abridged version Lesson 3: The Conference of the Birds · Foundations Introduce the “The Conference of the Birds” Use a plot diagram to organize reading and reactions · Going Deeper Complete short writing responses · Connect and Extend Creatively illustrate a chosen textual moment Short on Time?

Read and discuss the children’s book adaptation of “The Conference of the Birds” by Alexis York Lumbard

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VENUE DETAILS

Address Bass Concert Hall (bit.ly/2h4s08j) The University of Texas at Austin 2350 Robert Dedman Dr Austin, TX 78712 Bag Policy For the safety of our patrons, security measures have been instituted at all Texas Performing Arts venues. We strongly encourage guests to only bring essential items in order to provide a safer environment and expedite guest entry into the venues.

The following bags will be permitted into all Texas Performing Arts venues: · Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVS and do not exceed 12” x 12” x 6” · One-gallon clear resealable plastic storage bag · Small clutch bags do not have to be clear but cannot exceed 6.5” x 4.5” x 2” with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the theatre along with one clear bag option Backpacks, duffel bags, and camera cases will not be permitted. A full list of prohibited bags and items can be found at our website texasperformingarts. org/visit

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Food and Drink Food and drinks are not allowed in the hall.

Accessibility Special requests such as, wheelchair seats, close seating for the visually impaired, FM listening devices, and space for a sign interpreter are available upon request.

Tickets Youth Performances are not ticketed events.

Parking Texas Performing Arts provides free parking for buses and vans.

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GETTING HERE

Bus Drop-off & Pick-up and Parking Instructions Document bit.ly/2ij65H6 Bus Arrival Time: 9:45–10:30 am Normal parking resumes on Robert Dedman Dr. by 1 pm. If you are staying on campus you will need to arrange for parking at another location.

INSIDE THE HALL

Upon Arrival Staff will greet your bus and guide you to your seats. Students should enter the hall in single file in the order they will be seated.

Be Seated By: 10:45 am Power off all cell phones. No photos or recording devices may be used inside the hall. You are welcome to take photos in the lobby or outside the theatre.

During the Performance Restrooms are available on each level of Bass Concert Hall. After your group is seated, an usher can assist you in sending students to the restroom.

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After the Performance We will announce which schools’ buses are at the curb ready to pick up students. You may have to wait 30 minutes (or more) for your bus to arrive. All the buses cannot fit at the curb at the same time. Please plan accordingly.

We request that you account for your students efficiently when loading buses to maintain traffic flow.

We’d love to hear from you! Help us improve our Youth Performance experiences by taking our survey. bit.ly/2IFEI6V

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AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE

4 Simple Rules of Audience Ettiquette 1. Turn off electronic devices.

2. Be respectful to the performers.

Applaud or laugh when appropriate, but do not talk or make unnecessary, distracting noises.

3. Be respectful to other audience members.

Do not distract your neighbors with your voice, hands, or feet. Let teachers deal with distractions. Students who say “Shhh!” or “Quiet down!” can be equally disruptive.

4. Be respectful to the concert hall.

Do not do anything destructive to the floors, seats, walls, bathrooms, etc.

Etiquette at Bass Concert Hall Slideshow bit.ly/2gPjt5g

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A Short Guide to Concert Etiquette with Jason Lai (4:22) Video bit.ly/2z8g5wL

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Campus & Community Engagement at Texas Performing Arts Judith Rhedin, Assistant Director Brenda Simms, Education & Curriculum Development Hannah Hopkins, Senior Student Associate texasperformingarts.org/get-involved

Thank you to our sponsors whose generous support makes our programs available to the University of Texas at Austin campus and Central Texas community!

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