ABOUT
Hema Rajagopalan
Hema: The Dance of Life chronicles acclaimed Bharata Natyam dancer, choreographer, beloved teacher, artistic director and founder of Natya Dance Theatre.
We follow Hema's captivating journey from a child prodigy performing for India's elite ruling class to an Indian immigrant transplanted to America. We watch her development as a choreographer and as artistic director of her own dance company. And, we learn the history and significance of Bharata Natyam dance.
Since coming to America, Hema has used Bharata Natyam dance to build bridges with many American communities—enriching us all with her beautiful choreography and storytelling.
“Hema has accomplished so much as a dancer, teacher and choreographer in Chicago. She started at a time when Indian culture, Hindu religion and Indian classical forms of dance were just unknown in this city. She transformed that — creating a space for Bharata Natyam dance as art form in Chicago’s dance, art, and cultural scenes.”
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director/Producer: Rana Segal
Producer : Michael Smith
Camera: Kimmer Olesak and Rana Segal
Website
Produce/Design: Michael Smith
Website Photography: Ravi Ganapathy
Short Promotional Video
Editor: Rana Segal
Music: G.Vijayaraghavan, R.Kalaiarasan, C.Krishnakumar
Camera: Kimmer Olesak and Rana Segal
Additional performance footage courtesy HMS Media
PRODUCTION PHOTOS
