As part of the Kaufman Auditorium’s Lyceum Series, the acclaimed Ragamala Dance Company will visit Marquette for a special two-day residency, including performances for area schools and community engagement opportunities open to the public. The events culminate in a full-length performance on Wednesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. at Kaufman Auditorium, with a community workshop the evening before.
Ragamala Dance Company, based in Minneapolis, was founded in 1992 by Ranee Ramaswamy and her daughter Aparna Ramaswamy. The group is internationally recognized for its masterful blend of the classical South Indian dance form Bharatanatyam with contemporary themes and intercultural collaborations. One of the company’s current members, Jessica Fiala—who also happens to be a former Marquette resident—spoke about Ragamala’s mission and history ahead of the visit.
“Bharatanatyam has a long and rich history,” Fiala explained. “It originated in temples and court systems in India, and over time, it’s expanded across the world. Our work is rooted in that tradition, but we’re constantly exploring new ways to express stories through it.”
See a preview of the Ragamala Dance Company:
The name Ragamala translates to “a garland of melodies,” highlighting the deep connection between music and movement in the company’s performances. Fiala noted that their teacher once said, “You want to see the music and hear the dance.”
That connection is central to Ragamala’s storytelling. Their works often draw from classical Indian texts, poetry, and mythology, while embracing broader themes of migration, identity, and intercultural dialogue. Recent collaborations have included artists from Balinese, Japanese, Iraqi, and Cambodian traditions—underscoring the company’s commitment to cross-cultural artistic exchange.
“We want audiences to see this as a contemporary art form, not something fixed in the past,” Fiala said. “It’s a living, evolving language.”
While in Marquette, Ragamala will host a community dance workshop on Tuesday, April 8 at Kaufman Auditorium, open to all ages and experience levels. The goal is to provide an accessible entry point into Bharatanatyam, whether participants are seasoned dancers or curious newcomers.
Their public performance on April 9 will feature excerpts from three of the company’s signature works. “The evening begins with pieces from Sacred Earth (2011), which explores the emotional connection between humans and nature,” said Fiala. “We’ll also present a suite of dances inspired by the sacred rivers of India, including Varanasi and the Ganges, and conclude with works centered on Krishna in the forest.”
Throughout the week, Ragamala will also perform for Marquette Area Public Schools, giving students a chance to experience this expressive form of storytelling.
Fiala hopes younger audiences walk away not just inspired by Bharatanatyam itself, but with a deeper appreciation for engaging with unfamiliar art forms. “Even if they don’t pursue this dance form, I hope they leave with new ways of noticing, questioning, and connecting,” she said.
Listen to Kurt Hauswirth's interview with Jess Fiala:
Whether through myth, melody, or movement, Ragamala’s presence in Marquette promises to leave a lasting impression—one that transcends borders, generations, and expectations.
The Ragamala Dance Company community workshop takes place Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. at Kaufman Auditorium. The full performance is Wednesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at nmu.universitytickets.com.
