In India, the jasmine flower traverses the world of man and the world of the gods. This inspired new work freely moves between past and present, composition and improvisation, music and dance, delving into the concept of longing through the lens of recollection, appeal and total surrender. Guided by the rich poems of the Tamil Bhakti poet Andal, Song of the Jasmine embodies the spiritual and the sensual elements that are the lifeblood of the Indian psyche. Mother and daughter choreographic team and famed Bharata Natyam dancers Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy collaborate with jazz saxophonist/composer Rudresh Mahanthappa, known for his uninhibited musical culture-crossing. The score will be performed live by the composer himself with Rajna Swaminathan (UMD alum) on mridangam, Anjna Swaminathan (UMD Alum) on Carnatic violin, Rez Abbasi, guitar and Ramen Kalyan on Carnatic flute. Song of the Jasmine is co-commissioned by The Clarice’s Artist Partner Program.

Join the artists for a conversation with the audience following the performance.

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

This engagement of Ragamala Dance Company is made possible through the ArtsCONNECT program of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The presentation of Song of the Jasmine was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

This presentation is also supported in part by a generous gift from Janet and Jay Hawley.