Vidya Kotamraju
Longing...
Livestreaming May 6 & 7 at 7pm & May 8 at 4pm PDT
Vidya Kotamraju is a Vancouver based Bharata Natyam dance artist. She is a graduate of the Jai Govinda Dance Academy.
Vidya has performed for Mandala Arts and Culture, notably in The Temptation of Buddha and The Monk and The Courtesan. She has also performed for the Dance Centre's Silk Route Festival, Wish 150 A Long Way Home Exhibit, PNE's Spirit of India Festival, Namaste Canada, Diwali in BC (Shyama), DiwaliFest and International Indian Cultural Festival among others. Vidya currently serves on the Boards of New Works and Mandala Arts and Culture.
Vidya Kotamraju
Photo Ron Sangha Design Kasina Sree Vardhan
Longing... is a two-part performance based on the universal themes of romantic and spiritual yearning for love, companionship and oneness.
I. I and He
"Dear Friend, please bring my beloved Krishna to me. Nostalgic as I am of all those magical moments spent with him, I passionately yearn for his presence."
II. Thou and Me
"Oh Shiva! intoxicated as I am by the beauty of your dance, I yearn for your presence.
Oh beautiful Lord with matted long hair, adorned with snakes, with the crescent moon and divine river on your head, I long to see your marvelous dance. I implore you to come and bless me with your grace."

Vidya Kotamraju, Videography Jo Hirabayashi, Music Rekesh Chauhan & Nandini Shankar
Credits
I and He
Choreography: Bragha Bessell
Vocals: Hariprasad
Poetry: Jayadeva (12th Century, India)
Thou and Me
Choreography: Jai Govinda
Music: Recorded under direction of Balasubramaniam Sharma (Copyright Mandala Arts and Culture)
Poetry: Paapanaasam Sivan (20th Century, India)
Performance & Visual Direction: Vidya Kotamraju
Prelude Music: Rekesh Chauhan & Nandini Shankar
Prelude Choreography: Vidya Kotamraju
Graphic Design: Kasina Sree Vardhan
Makeup: Ashika Narayan
Videography: Jo Hirabayashi