Ramya S. Kapadia, a gifted dancer and author, has always found the art of storytelling to be a vital aspect of life. Her belief has been captured beautifully in her words: “To receive the gift of art is to be alive.” Just as her dance performances have left audiences enthralled, her recent venture into writing promises to mesmerize a whole new demographic: children.
Hailing from Knoxville, Ramya S. Kapadia has been recognized as a traditional South Indian classical dancer. Her mesmerizing performances have crossed national and international borders, as she has toured extensively across the United States and abroad, presenting both solo and group works. In addition to her astounding dance talents, Kapadia is a versatile artist, providing vocal accompaniment to dancers and composing music for global productions.
Her love for storytelling has transitioned beautifully into the written form with the “Taikamaa Series,” a captivating adventure of six children in the mystical land of Taikamaa. It seamlessly embodies Kapadia’s storytelling magic, familiar from her dance, yet tailored for the imaginative minds of children.
The series travels through the lives of six children and their families, diverse in ethnicity and culture, constituting the extraordinary tapestry of Taikamaa. Nestled between the mountains and a serene lake, this little land holds mystifying secrets. The children’s innocent ventures into the mountains uncover an adjacent kingdom, a land of legends once ruled by a king and queen. It’s a tale of simplicity, adventure, and the reunion of long-separated kin.
Her story is infused with lessons of empathy, resilience, and understanding – qualities that she believes children should learn early in life. She utilizes her artistic expression in her book, painting vivid images in the minds of young readers. Each page offers an invitation to a new adventure, to a world that sparks imagination, and encourages children to explore their own creative potential. As children turn the pages of Kapadia’s book, they become explorers, adventurers, and dreamers, living through the journey that she has skilfully crafted.
Kapadia’s unique storytelling style reflects her deep understanding of the human condition, a trait that has been evident throughout her dance career. Her belief that art is an essential part of life echoes through each page of her book. The compelling narrative, the captivating characters, and the profound messages embedded within the story all contribute to a literary experience that is both immersive and transformative.
The strength of Kapadia’s storytelling is matched by her ability to resonate with her young audience. She understands the curiosity, the thirst for knowledge, and the boundless imagination that children possess. By weaving these elements into her narrative, she has created a story that is engaging, educational, and enchanting. The book is not just a journey through a magical world, but also a journey towards learning and growth.
The literary world has gained a unique talent in Ramya S. Kapadia. With her artist’s heart and writer’s pen, she has gifted children a remarkable narrative, a tale that entertains while encouraging them to dream, imagine, and appreciate the art. As she has eloquently expressed, “To receive the gift of art is to be alive.” Through her book, she bestows this precious gift on her young readers, nurturing their creativity, understanding, and love for art and storytelling. With such a book in their hands, they are indeed very much alive.
More about Ramya S. Kapadia
With her master’s degree in medical physics and neuroscience, Ramya S. Kapadia‘s unwavering passion for the arts compelled her to pursue it full-time. Her commitment to fostering the next generation of artists is evident through her Natyarpana School of Dance & Music based in Durham, North Carolina. The school stands as a testament to her belief in passing on the rich heritage of music and dance to young enthusiasts.
Her immense contribution to the field of dance extends beyond performing and teaching. As the Associate Artistic and Outreach Director of Maryland-based Prakriti Dance, Kapadia plays a pivotal role in promoting the importance of traditional dance forms and their relevance in contemporary society.
Over the years, Kapadia’s dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed. In 2010, she was honored with the Ella Pratt Emerging Artist Award from the Durham Arts Council. A decade later, in recognition of her remarkable choreography skills, she was awarded the Choreography Fellowship from the North Carolina Arts Council in 2020. These accolades symbolize her passion and commitment to her art, further inspiring her journey into the world of children’s literature.
