Meet Radha Varadan
Bridging the gap between arts and academia, Radha Varadan is professional Kathak artist deeply dedicated to the evolution of the traditional dance form. Trained from a young
age in classical ballet, Kathak, and later pursuing her degree in postmodern dance, Radha's
professional and creative works span countries and cultures. She has been recognized internationally for her innovative work in translating classical ballet variations into the traditional Kathak vocabulary, and for her research on the mechanisms of the injuries most commonly experienced by practitioners of Indian classical dance. An accomplished soloist, Radha is a company artist with the Abhinava Dance Company of Bangalore, India. She is a current recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Nehru Research Grant in support of her scholarship in the dance field.
Author of Both
Creative Process
My process, whether it's choreography, academic writing, or creative projects, always begins with a walk. I find that I do my best thinking when I'm surrounded by fresh air, blue skies, and tall trees! Accompanied by my journal, I allow whatever thoughts that pass-- no matter how silly they may be-- to find their way into words. It's those rambling, winding sentences that ultimately produce the final product... and a whole lot of coffee!
Connection to Dance
As a fifth generation practitioner of the Indian Classical arts, dance is in my blood. In their purest form, the Indian Classical arts are meant to be practiced as a holistic lifestyle. As a professional, my mission revolves around bringing these ancient traditions into the work I produce. Similarly, as a performer, I spend the majority of my time in rehearsals, teaching, or preparing for performance.
Inspiration
Both is inspired by my own experience training in two classical art forms simultaneously, balancing the weight of two identities-- Indian and American-- with the demands of both styles. In spite of the challenges that I faced as a student, the experience of both forms ultimately enriched one another. My artistry and work today is largely informed by my ability to straddle two worlds at once; a position that once seemed so impossible to hold. In publishing this story, I hope that young dancers see themselves reflected in Divya's struggle, and learn that they don't always need to choose one dream over another.