Trailblazing Firsts
Innovations & Experiments
A curatorial view of works where Shantha Ratii extends classical grammar into new terrains — cross-cultural dialogue, experimental staging, rhythm mathematics, theatrical devices, mentorship-led creations, and commissioned collaborations.
2022 — Mentorship & Cross‑Cultural
Veera‑Naree (Queen Rudramma)
Singapore • IDD 2022 • Dance‑drama
Battle scenes weave Kalaripayattu and Silat into Kuchipudi with new lyrics, music and theatre research — expanding the classical frame with martial vocabulary and dramaturgy.
Grit & Gratitude
A COVID‑era reflection using Malay dance and Bharatanatyam, experimenting with emotive expression beyond pure movement; a seamless narrative with specially composed music.
Honouring Hua Mulan
Development of a Chinese warrior‑woman piece with inputs on music selection, choreography and costuming; an inter‑aesthetic dialogue steered by artistic direction.
One and All — Women & Society
Cross‑disciplinary Music & Rhythm
Mix’TuP — Music of Life
Storyless exploration of human oneness: complex rhythm mathematics choreographed for trained bodies, aligning and disrupting symmetry; evolved into a full‑fledged piece performed virtually.
Patron’s Nite — HEIYA
A COVID‑era reflection using Malay dance and Bharatanatyam, experimenting with emotive expression beyond pure movement; a seamless narrative with specially composed music.
International Dance Day Festival (2017–2025)
Annual celebration curated to showcase Singapore’s multi‑form tapestry. Dialogue between Flamenco, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi in mathematically designed rhythms and intricate footwork; a bouquet of forms shaping a Singaporean voice.
Environmental & Theatrical Innovation
Navodaya — Brink of Hope
A non‑linear environmental work with commissioned lyrics and score; juxtaposed sacred Mizhavu and 17th‑century Cello for the first time, with children’s voices foregrounded.
Moksha Katha
Singapore • Mumbai • New Delhi • 2014–2015
Risk‑taking solo weaving three styles; book‑ended in Kathakali and employing lyrics in four Indian languages. Theatrical asides illuminate Dharma through the baby Krishna narrative.
Archival, Research & Boundary‑Pushing
Sourabhham — New Fragrances in Kuchipudi
Adding regional literary works to expand the Kuchipudi repertoire; demonstrating the robustness of grammar for new hues.
New Currents in Kuchipudi
Singapore • IDD 2022 • SRI Mentorship Programme
How the old and new can merge for modern audiences with fresh presentation concepts.
Interpreting Contemporary Poetry
NGMA Mumbai • 2001
Contemporary poetry interpreted through Indian classical dance for a gallery audience.
Heroines in Indian Classical Dance
Research‑led presentation exploring archetypes and repertoire across styles.
Commissions & Large‑Scale Experiments
Madhushala — Akashwani Awards
Mumbai • 2006
Joint choreography and performance in four classical styles to the immortal poem by Harivanshrai Bachchan.
Ashta Nayika
Mumbai • 2005
Joint choreography across seven classical dance styles exploring the Ashta Nayika concept.
Technology Meets Tradition — NASSCOM
India • 2003
Classical dance tools — mudras, rhythm, Sanskrit shloka “Connect” — paired with a Japanese freestyle Ikebana as a living metaphor.
Rhythms in Motion — Filmfare South
Chennai • 2002
Opening act blending Pancha‑Vadhyam and Kalaripayattu with Indian classical and Jazz vocabulary for 25 artistes.
Revivals, Hybrids & Early Cross‑Forms
Behind the Mask: Kathakali
Kalaa Utsavam, Esplanade • 2010
Narrative led by Sutradhar with documentary excerpts from “And Miles to Flow”; concludes in full‑regalia Kathakali flourish.
Writings on the Wall
Singapore • 1999
Devanagari script evolved into pictorial calligraphy and juxtaposed with Chinese calligraphy in an ode to nature, with modern dance.
International Cross‑Cultural Milestone
Confluence — Babylon Festival of Arts
Only solo performer among 40 participating countries; special piece to Oud with a newly created Raga Shantha; pieces explained in Arabic to local audiences.
Designs in Dance — Architecture, Sculpture & Space
New Delhi • 2005 • Archaeological Survey of India & Surabhi Foundation
Travelled across India studying temple architecture from Aihole to Khajuraho, Konark, Brihadeeswara; performance at Sher Shah Suri Gateway for invited guests — drawing parallels between built form and dance design.
