Malathi Iyengar Choreography Videos

Selected moments from the Rangoli Dance Company's performance of ‘Patanjali: Legends of Yoga and Dance’ 2008
Resource & Technical Advisors:
Dr Christopher Key Chapple, Srivatsa Ramaswamy, Ganesh Shatavadhani, BKS Iyengar & Ramakrishna Mission

Santa Monica, Calilfornia

Historians say that Patanjali lived in India around two thousand years ago. According to legend, Patanjali is none other than Aadishehsa, the cosmic serpent upon which the Hindu lord Vishnu reclines. Endowed with a body that is half human and half serpent, Patanjali became an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Though Yoga existed much before Patanjali's time, he documented what had until that time been handed down by means of oral tradition from master to pupil. The legends say that Yoga, classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, and martial arts like Kalari evolved from Lord Shiva's cosmic dance of bliss. Yoga, meaning integration, combines ancient spiritual practices with mind-body techniques. Yoga is respected as a science, an art form, and a philosophy of life. Patanjali, a thematic dance concert, explores the unique and powerful relationship between Yoga and dance. The evening features popular legends related to sage Patanjali, the cosmic dance of Shiva, and the holy city of Chidambaram in India.

Excerpts from Sacred Geometry
December 2006, Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai, India

Varshini, the Rain Goddess is presented as a part of the performance - Shivaya: 25 Years of Creativity & Excellence by Rangoli Dance Company, 2010

Legend has it that the melody (Amruthavarshin) was sung in order to invoke the rain. The Rain Goddess is worshipped as the cause of ultimate bliss and extolled as Parvathi, consort of Lord Shiva.

Unveiling of new works of art by master sculptor Suresh Iyengar
A Rangoli Foundation 2009 - 2010 Initiative