Ragamala Dance Company

- 3754 Pleasant Ave Ste 422W, Minneapolis, MN 55409

For those in the Twin Cities seeking a profound and artistic experience, the Ragamala Dance Company offers a unique and enriching opportunity. As a premier dance school and performing arts company, Ragamala stands out by specializing in Bharatanatyam, a beautiful and ancient classical dance form from South India. This Minneapolis-based institution is not just about teaching dance; it's about connecting with a timeless tradition and exploring its relevance in our contemporary world. Founded by Ranee Ramaswamy, and now led in an intergenerational partnership with her daughters Aparna and Ashwini, Ragamala is a local treasure that has gained international recognition for its excellence and innovative approach.

The company's work is driven by a deep commitment to both artistic excellence and cultural education. They are known for creating original, multi-disciplinary dance works that beautifully contextualize the immigrant experience and explore a shared sense of humanity. As one collaborator noted, the company members are not only professional and well-prepared but also excellent collaborators, full of creativity and ideas. The mesmerizing and educational nature of their performances is a testament to their dedication. For Minnesotans, this offers a fantastic way to experience a globally renowned art form right here at home, whether through attending a captivating performance or enrolling in one of their classes to learn the art form firsthand.

Ragamala Dance Company is conveniently located at 3754 Pleasant Avenue, Suite 422W, Minneapolis, MN 55409. This address places it within a vibrant community hub, making it accessible for residents of Minneapolis and the surrounding areas. The location is an ideal spot for a creative institution, allowing it to be a central part of the local arts scene.

When visiting the studio, accessibility is a consideration that Ragamala has taken into account. The facility features a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that all community members, including those with mobility challenges, have a convenient way to access the premises for classes or other engagements. This commitment to inclusivity is a reflection of the company's broader mission to create a welcoming and engaging space for everyone interested in the arts.

Ragamala Dance Company offers a structured and comprehensive curriculum centered on the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam. Their training center provides classes for various age groups and skill levels, ensuring a path for everyone from beginners to advanced students.

• Bharatanatyam Classes: The core of their offering, these classes teach the intricate and expressive dance form of Bharatanatyam, which is rooted in South Indian tradition.
• Beginner's Classes: A perfect starting point for children and adults who have little to no prior dance experience.
• Intermediate and Advanced Classes: For those with some background in dance, these classes provide a pathway for continued growth and mastery of the art form.
• Adult Lessons: The company offers classes specifically for adults, allowing people of any age to discover the joy and challenge of Bharatanatyam.
• Choreography Classes: These classes are designed to help students understand the creative process behind dance and develop their own artistic voice.

Ragamala Dance Company is recognized for several unique features and highlights that have cemented its status as a leader in the dance community, both locally and internationally.

• Women-Owned and Family-Run: The company identifies as women-owned, and its leadership is an intergenerational partnership of a mother and her two daughters. This unique family structure brings a deep personal and cultural connection to their work.
• Internationally Acclaimed: While based in Minnesota, Ragamala has gained a global reputation, with performances at prestigious venues and festivals around the world. This means local students are learning from world-class artists.
• Focus on Bharatanatyam: Their specialization in this specific, ancient dance form provides a unique cultural and artistic opportunity for the community that is not widely available.
• Educational and Collaborative: Ragamala is highly praised for its educational approach, engaging in collaborations with schools and other organizations to share the history and philosophy of their art form.
• "Good for Kids": The business is officially recognized as being "good for kids," highlighting its positive and nurturing environment for young students.
• Convenient Payment Options: For ease of transaction, the company accepts both debit cards and NFC mobile payments.

To learn more about classes, performances, or collaboration opportunities, you can contact the Ragamala Dance Company using the following details.

Address: 3754 Pleasant Ave Ste 422W, Minneapolis, MN 55409, USA

Phone: (612) 824-1968

Choosing Ragamala Dance Company is a decision that offers far more than just dance lessons. One of the most significant reasons to choose Ragamala is the unparalleled quality of its instruction and artistry. The company's performers and teachers are not just excellent dancers; they are "professional and easy to work with," and their work is described as "beautiful, mesmerizing, educational, important" by those who have collaborated with them. This level of praise from a professional context speaks volumes about the integrity and talent of the organization. As a student, this means you are learning from the best, from a company that embodies the highest standards of their art form.

Furthermore, Ragamala offers a unique cultural connection that is difficult to find elsewhere. By focusing on Bharatanatyam, they provide an opportunity to engage with a rich and spiritual tradition that has been passed down for centuries. The company's work, which explores immigrant narratives and the kindred relationship between the ancient and the contemporary, offers a valuable perspective that resonates deeply in today's world. For parents, this is a chance to not only provide their children with a physical activity but also with a cultural education that is both meaningful and enriching. The fact that the company is identified as "good for kids" reinforces that it is a safe and positive place for young people to grow.

Finally, as a women-owned and family-run business, Ragamala has a unique warmth and personal touch. The dedication of the mother-daughter team to preserving their lineage and passing on their high standards to the next generation is at the heart of their mission. This sense of lineage and continuity provides a strong foundation for both the art and the community. By choosing Ragamala, you are supporting a local business that is a powerful force for art, culture, and education, making it an excellent choice for anyone in Minnesota.

Ragamala Dance Company

3754 Pleasant Ave Ste 422W, Minneapolis, MN 55409, USA