‘The Kandappa – Balasaraswati Tradition by Nandini Ramani’

This session delves into the traditional repertoire of the Thanjavur lineage through the Kandappa – T. Balasaraswati legacy, explaining its historical roots, the Margam structure, and key elements of nritta and abhinaya in this sampradayam. Attendees will also view Those Who Have Stood the Test of Time (Kaalatthai Vendravarkal), a documentary conceptualised and scripted by Nandini Ramani, celebrating the legacy of T. Balasaraswati. 

Nandini Ramani, a prime disciple of the legendary T. Balasaraswati, will perform excerpts from her chosen tradition along with her disciple-daughter, Sushama Ranganathan. The session will conclude with Nandini Ramani teaching participants how this tradition approaches the Telugu javali ‘Samayamide’ in Raga Behag, Tala Rupaka, composed by Patnam Subramania Iyer. 

The daughter of Sanskrit scholar Dr. V. Raghavan, Nandini Ramani is a multifaceted veteran exponent trained under T. Balasaraswati and nattuvanar K. Ganesan. She also trained in Carnatic vocal music under Prof. B. Krishnamoorthy, with special training in Padam-javali singing from Vidushi T. Mukta. Honoured with the Kalaimamani by the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award by the President of India, she is celebrated for her wide-ranging contributions to Bharatanatyam. 

Bringing together film, biography, and dance demonstration, this interactive dance workshop offers a rare insight into one of Bharatanatyam’s most profound legacies.