Shaping theatrical magic comes naturally to this multi-talented artist.
Theater is a magical space where stories come to life, often through dance. Every movement tells a story, and Thulasiram Govinda Chettiyar is becoming known as one of the world’s leading narrators in this space. His contributions to productions like “The Red Pashmina” and “The Royal Dilemma” have dazzled audiences, reshaping the landscape of stage choreography. This peek behind the curtains reveals the depth of his artistry and the meticulous preparation that goes into crafting theatrical magic.
Thulasiram was born in India, and left a lucrative software development career to teach yoga in Vietnam. Twenty years later, he is making a major impact on dance and the arts on a global scale. Thulasiram has intricately woven his academic understanding of movement with his lifelong passion for dance and yoga. His educational background in movement science with a Master’s in Kinesiology enriches his approach to dance, emphasizing wellness and holistic health. Since 2017, Thulasiram has been a pivotal figure in promoting Indian dance forms in the United States, blending modern, hip-hop, and Bollywood fusion dance. His significant breakthrough came in 2012, as a finalist in the dance reality TV show ‘Ungalil Yaar Prabhudeva’ in India, showcasing his talent to millions worldwide.
Thulasiram’s entry into the theater was a natural progression from his dance career. “Transitioning from dance to theater was like stepping into a larger world of storytelling,” Thulasiram recalls. In theater, his choreography transcends traditional dance and becomes a vehicle for conveying emotions and enhancing narratives.
“Choreographing for theater demands a different sensibility compared to dance performances,” Thulasiram explains. “On stage, every movement is part of a bigger picture. It’s not just about the dance, but how it fits into the story.” His work in “The Red Pashmina” and “The Royal Dilemma” exemplifies this philosophy, where dance sequences are intricately woven into the narrative, adding depth and dimension to the characters and plot.
Working on large-scale productions like “The Red Pashmina” involves immense preparation and coordination. “The challenge is to synchronize the vision of the director, the abilities of the performers, and the expectations of the audience,” says Thulasiram. He spends months working closely with directors and actors, so that each movement and step contributes effectively to the unfolding story.
Behind every successful show is a hive of activity that the audience never sees. For Thulasiram, this means long hours of rehearsals, costume fittings, and set coordination. “Theater is a collaborative art,” he shares. “We bring together diverse talents and create something greater than the sum of its parts.”
In “The Red Pashmina,” Thulasiram’s choreography played a pivotal role in bringing the central theme of past lives and destiny to life. For “The Royal Dilemma,” he crafted dance sequences that complemented the musical’s Disney-esque feel, blending traditional Indian dance with more modern styles to reflect the story’s setting and mood.
Thulasiram’s dedication to his craft has earned him significant recognition over his two decade long career. He began to get noticed early on, featured in “The Hindu” newspaper in 2002. He gained television exposure in 2012 on Star Vijay Television’s dance reality show “Ungalil Yaar Prabhudeva.” In 2017, he directed the Summer Intensive Dance Camp at ABCD School of Bollywood Dance in Phoenix, Arizona. The following year marked a milestone as he founded Team Ground Zero dance in Dallas, Texas, where he was also a choreographer and performer, leading his team to become finalists in “Dance USA Dance” and winners at the UTD Udaan Akshaya Patra foundation event.
2018 was when he expanded his theatrical contributions with performances in “The Red Pashmina” and “The Royal Dilemma” by the Think India Foundation. He continued to direct and choreograph major events such as the Dallas Hip-hop Dance Fest and the annual “Let’s Nacho” recital. His recognition extended to being a judge for the Lakshya Bollywood fusion dance competition in 2020, and he received features in “Voyage Dallas” and “Shoutout DFW” magazines. Thulasiram’s excellence in dance earned him membership in the CID at UNESCO and features in the “Deccan Chronicle,” “Dailythanthi,” and “Canvas Rebel” in 2022.
For 2024 and beyond, Thulasiram is working on a play focused on time travel, set to be staged at the prestigious Toyota Music Factory. “This new play is an adventurous foray into uncharted territories of storytelling and performance,” he reveals. “I want to keep pushing boundaries and chasing the idea of how choreography can define a story. Dance can tell stories in ways that words can’t. It’s how to create performances that are visually stunning and emotionally resonant, that leave a lasting impact on the audience.”
Thulasiram Govinda Chettiyar is one to watch in the world of theater. He uses dance as a narrative tool, and has the rare ability to fuse traditional dance forms with contemporary storytelling. He’s rich in creativity and innovation, and shapes theatrical magic with every step he choreographs.
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