Mathangi Raja Mathangi

Concept & Choreography: Yamini Kalluri
Musical Composition & arrangement: Asha Ramesh, Harsha Mandayam Bharathi & Yamini Kalluri

Yamini's intention behind this choreography reflects a profound connection to the music and her journey as an artist. Whenever I become obsessed with a specific raga, it feels as though the universe aligns, and compositions from that raga flow to me all at once. When my friend Sreya Goparaju introduced me to a beautiful composition in Bhageshree Raga, I knew instantly that I had to choreograph to it. Around the same time, my music teacher Asha Ramesh presented me with her Tillana composition in the same raga, and it sparked the idea of creating a rhythmic pattern or jathi in Shuddha Nrittam and Thani Avartanam format. I wanted to challenge the predictable and traditional structures of dance choreography.

With my recent focus on serious training in Mridangam and Carnatic vocals, Harsha and I crafted a five-minute jathi as an introduction to this piece, marking a significant milestone in my musical journey. This choreography is also an homage to my musician friends from Kritya. I see my collaborators as embodiments of Goddess Mathangi, the Nada Swaroopini, who represents the essence of music and sound. I believe that the Kritya music ensemble embodies her spirit, and they are gifts from Goddess Mathangi. My music teachers, Harsha Mandayam Bharathi and Asha Ramesh, also embody this divine essence.
Ultimately, my choreographies are personal homages to the people and situations I cherish. They are inspired by my experiences and the connections I make along the way, infusing each piece with heartfelt meaning.