Ramli Ibrahim | Photo Credit: Courtesy: Sutra Foundation
“Aesthetics is a very personal matter. It is something abstract and beyond simple analysis. In the Sutra, this fact can be experienced. Aesthetics is the defining feature of the dance company’s productions,” Malaysian-born Odissi exponent Datuk Ramli Ibrahim It is said that he will turn 70 on May 20.
Apart from the singular distinction of introducing classical Indian dance to a large population in Malaysia, Ramli Ibrahim became well known in the Indian and international dance arena for his stylized and distinctive choreography. Along with his solo performances, his group working with dancers trained in the Sutra began to attract attention.
These ensembles stood out for their blend of traditional and contemporary sensibilities, technical mastery, well-composed music, colorful costumes and synchronized movements. It was all about presentation, which helped establish the brand Sutra as an institution that promoted dance holistically. According to Ramli, “the essence of group work is the exploration of space and body.” He began experiencing the beauty and joy in movement as a small boy. This inspired her to make dance her calling. She began with Malay dance but a stint at the Royal Military College in Malaysia proved to be a turning point in her life after moving to Australia. After training in ballet, he began performing with the Sydney Dance Company and made considerable progress professionally as the only male dancer in Western Australia.
Ramlila during the performance | Photo Credit: Courtesy: Sutra Foundation
“It was not just my exposure to various art forms, it was also my reading, and association with creative people, that had a huge impact on my thinking and approach to art. Chandrabhanu, an Indian dancer living in Australia, gave Ramlila to Guru Adyar’s Lakshmana, who trained her in Bharatanatyam, which took her around the world. Ramlila was drawn to Odissi after meeting leading actors Indrani Rahman, and Guru Dev Prasad Das, and hearing the music of Raghunath Panigrahi. Her tutelage under Guru Dev Prasad Das saw her excel in this art form as well, and she continued to perform both Bharatanatyam and Odissi. “Ultimately, my transition from Bharatanatyam to Odissi was smooth and organic.”
The fluidity of the movements and impeccable technique have kept him in good stead over the years. Despite his growing popularity around the world, he decided to return to his roots in Malaysia. “Deep down I realized that I am a son of the soil. I was keen to take these arts to the next generation and started Sutra Dance Foundation,” says Ramli.
Ramli Ibrahim | Photo Credit: The Hindu Archives
The initial years were difficult – creating awareness about Indian dance forms and persuading parents to send their children to learn the art. But Ramli persevered, and today the beautifully designed Sutra is a place where students can find themselves.
Ramli is pushing the boundaries of his creativity by collaborating with various artists in his own way. His latest work was ‘Jaya Ram’ with Guru Gajendra Panda.
From his latest work ‘Jaya Rama’ | Photo Credit: Courtesy: Sutra Foundation
“It is not just two creative minds coming together. These works develop through a lot of interaction. We find compatible meeting points in our art that shape the aesthetics of the production.
Recipient of awards like Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi and Datukship from the Government of Malaysia, when you enter the sutra, you understand what art means to Ramli Ibrahim. A lush green garden with terracotta sculptures, artworks at every nook and corner, a gazebo and an open air theatre, conveys the message that art is a life-changing experience that should not stop with training and exposure. You need to create an environment that fosters it.