Classical Indian Dance Taught at Golf Maine Park District

Known as Poetry in Motion
              Ancient Art of Indian Dancing Thrives at Golf Maine Park District

When Guru Ruth Varghese started dancing in her native India at age three, she couldn’t have envisioned finding a home for her own dance academy in unincorporated Maine Township on the other side of the planet. But, her long journey has been one of love – the love of classic Indian dance and the love of teaching. For the past 16 years, Ruth has felt at home in the Golf Maine Park District (GMPD).

As Artistic Director of the Kalapadma Bharatanatyam Dance Academy of Chicago, she teaches a timeless devotion of the arts. The Academy here is a branch of the institution inaugurated in India by the late Dr. Shankardayal Sharma, formerly the President of India, in 1960. A half century later Ruth still honors her parents who founded the Academy and the beauty of Bharathanatyam dance, one of the 7 major forms of classical Indian dance which dates back 2,000 years. Ruth’s sister now runs the dance academy started by her parents in Bhopal, India, where her mother at 86 years old still dances.

The mastery of Bharathanatyam revered as “poetry in motion” with its complex techniques takes many years. Ruth - known as Singar-Mani (Jewel of Expression) - has a Master’s Degree in the dance form but says she is still learning. Her classes for about 100 students of all ages are held Wednesday and Friday evenings and Saturdays through the Golf Maine Park District in Dee Park.

“The methods of teaching Indian dance have changed since I started lessons so many years ago,” she says. “The way I teach now is much less harsh. Back then I often was made to cry due to the strictness of the instructors and physical challenge of really hard work. During my 33 years of teaching, I stress the art of depicting Indian mythology combined with personal experiences and artistic talent.”

“Our young students don’t want to be treated like I was so we practice a more gentle form of instruction and one that emphasizes upbeat fun, high energy and enjoyment,” she adds. “They come to love telling stories with their hand gestures and facial expressions.”

Ruth is married to Santosh Varghese who serves as President of the Academy. She credits him with being instrumental in the school’s growth over the last 35 years both in India and now in suburban Chicago. The couple has two grown children. Daughter Anjali, 18, a student at Oakton Community College teaches alongside her mother, performs in the many shows, choreographs some of the numbers, and one day will likely take over running the Chicago branch of the Academy.

Ruth’s son Alvin, 25, gets involved with the family business especially during the annual show to assist with lighting and other backstage work. Alvin is pursuing a degree in musical performance and plays a Jazz Fusion style of drums.

The Academy’s annual show is always a sellout. With an expected 100 performers, the next show will be on March 5, 2016, at the Vernon Hills High School Auditorium. In the meantime, the Academy dancers will perform at the Willow Creek Church in Barrington on Dec. 19 doing “Silent Night” and “A Drum Line”, both choreographed by Anjali. Another recent performance was given at the Crystal Palace in Mt. Prospect celebrating Christmas for a local Indian church.

For information about the Academy, call 847-390-6104 or email Kalapadma@sbcglobal.net. You can also visit www.Kalapadma.net.

For more information about other classes and GMPD programs call 847-297-3000 or visit www.gmpd.org.