Rasa – A.R.P.I.T.A - Academy for Research & Performance of Indian Theatre Arts, has been conducting Dance Classes since 1985. Now about 50 students are training for basic and advanced courses in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Karnatic Classical Vocal Music which are also conducted here.

Dr. Ambika Kameshwar heads the team of staff and is ably assisted by the staff members of Rasa – A.R.P.I.T.A.

Kumari Srithika Kasturirangan is an honorary Staff of the Centre.

The Classes not only take place at the Rasa – A.R.P.I.T.A’s Main school but also as a part of its Outreach Programme, Classes are taken regularly at

Students are encouraged in their performance skills by regular programmes conducted by the centre.

After completing their courses, their Arangetram takes place and advanced training in the Art Form follows.

Classes on Indian Cultural Heritage

The need to expose the youngsters of today to our rich cultural heritage saw the inauguration of classes on Indian Cultural Heritage since June 2000, through the narration of Itihasas and Puranas. These classes are conducted by Mr. G. Kameshwar, who also does extensive research on various spiritual topics and makes these presentations in an interesting and lucid manner. Stories on saints of South India - Kabir, Tulsidas, Shirdi Sai Baba, The Shanmatha system of Adi Shankara and The Mahabaratha have all been covered in these classes.

Dr. Ambika Kameshwar takes classes on the Bhagavad Gita and other spiritual works. Discussion regarding values and traditions are facilitated by her. Shlokas are taught and internalization is fostered through the sharing.

Cultural Festivals

Sivarathri Nrithya Stuthi Festival

RASA has had the unique privilege of reviving the tradition of Dance performances inside the premises of Sri Kapaleswarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai after nearly 5 decades. Sincer 1993, RASA has been conducting Nritya Sthuthi dance festival on the occasion of Maha Sivaratri as revival of a great tradition.

The three day festival is a largely attended joyous sharing of Dance and Music by renowned performers.

December Bonanza

Rasa – A.R.P.I.T.A also ties up every year with the Lions Club of South Madras to organize a 7 day Music and Dance festival at Bapalal Bhavan in Tiruvanmiyur catering to the needs of the Rasikas in that area of Chennai. In the month of December, Chennai comes alive with music and dance festivals but most of the festivals are concentrated in the Mylapore and T.Nagar areas of the city. Tiruvanmiyur residents and Rasikas warmly welcome RASA’s festival there. Eminent artistes perform in this festival and the staff of Rasa – A.R.P.I.T.A also give performance in this series.

Productions

Rasa – A.R.P.I.T.A periodically presents mega productions – dance dramas on various themes. The productions are presented by Dr. Ambika Kameshwar and other senior artistes / staff of the centre.

Some of the major productions include:

Svaatantryam

A look at the meaning of True independence beginning with India’s independence to that of ourselves.

Ekameva

The coming together of Siva & Sakthi – Presence & Power - as one unit – Ardhanareeshwara. Working from Duality to Oneness through Karma, Bhakthi & Gnana – evident by the Leela of Siva & Paravathi.

Bharathi Kanda Sakthi

A journey with Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi – in whose eyes our mother land Bharata Matha is the manifestation of the Primeval Power – Adi Sakthi. It is She who appears as Durga, Lakshmi & Saraswathi - the Goddesses of Power, Wealth & Learning - who are manifest as the Bharatha Naari - the Indian Woman.

Shankara Vijayam

The Life of Adi Shankara, his early renunciation of the world, his teachings, his digrijaya

Aamrapali

The story of the Courtesan dancer turned bodhisattra – A saint of high Order

Courses Offered

1. Bharatanatyam

Level-1        Adavus, Alaripu, Kavuthuvam, Pushpanjali
Level-2        Jathiswaram, Simple Padams & Theory related to the same
Level-3        Advanced Padams & Tillana & Theory related to the same
Level-4        Varnam & Theory related to the same

Arangertam
Level-5        Choregraphy & Advanced Theory Natuvangam
Level-6        All of the above in an advanced format and preparatation to run independant centres

2. Kuchupudi

Level-1        Adavus & Ganesa Vandanam
Level-2        Pushpanjali, Jathiswaram, Sabdam
Level-3        Padams & Tarangam
Level-4        Bhama Kalapam & Other parts of solo Dance Dramas & Darus

Arangertam
Level-5        Choregraphy, Theory, Natuvangam, Music Training, Performance Training
Level-6        All of the above in an advanced format and preparatation to run independant centres

3. Light Classical dance numbers

4. Vocal Music

Level-1        Saralivarisai to 10 Geethams
Level-2        Swarajathis & 10 Varnams - Adi Talam
Level-3        Ata tala Varnams & Keerthanams
Level-4        Raga Alapana & Swara Singing

Arangertam
Level-5 & 6        Theory, Pallavi Singing, Neravals & Performance Training

5. Bhajans & Devotional Songs

6. Sloka Class

Participation in programmes is encouraged and performance training is given