Camp Ramayana
“poetry in motion that transcends the bounds of culture”
— Washington Post
“Every summer, there is a new focus to the month-long syllabus: connecting the ancient traditions behind classical Indian dance to the everyday lives of campers in a way that is both meaningful and empowering.”
— The Gazette
CAMP RAMAYANA at Sutradhar offers a unique arts immersion for 4 weeks to kids ages 4–18 years old.
Started in 1989 by renowned educator Nilimma Devi, the camp is a deep dive into the riches of South Indian dance, storytelling, mime, Indian martial arts, yoga, mask making, creative writing, and folk arts (Rangoli, Madhubani, and more).
Sutradhar’s summer camp has been a key intergenerational gateway to these sacred arts, and many of our community members cite it as an irreplaceable, holistic, and joyful educational experience that shaped their childhoods.
A Day at Camp
9 am – 4 pm
AFTER A MORNING of calming yoga under the bamboo, campers draw and color while they listen to master storytellers such as the Smithsonian’s Camilla Bryce Laporte and Anila Kumari. They then learn the basics of Indian Classical dance with guru Nilimma Devi, break for lunch and cooldown time, and enjoy classes with renowned guest artists in the afternoon.
Over the course of four weeks, campers build a sense of accomplishment by bringing all their new skills together to stage their own Ramayan play. The fun of the dance performance is followed by a book fair for all the young writers and artists, showcasing their creative writing and projects for family and friends.
Morning, 9 am to Noon
- Yoga and meditation
- Storytelling: A master storyteller expands the mythic to the modern for campers, bringing to life heroes that epitomize courage, kindness and compassion.
- 11am: Snack break!
- Kuchipudi dance lessons with gurus Anila Kumari and Nilimma Devi.
Lunch Time, Noon
- After lunch, students take a 30-minute nap/rest break, accompanied by more stories and relaxing games.
Afternoon, 1 pm to 4 pm
- Kuchipudi dance practice.
- 2pm: Snack break!
- Indian martial arts class, the rare form Thang-ta with Master Khilton Nongmaithen
- Guest artist workshop: Our guest faculty include world music experts, mathematicians, local artists, writers, educators, and makers of all kinds, to give the students a well-rounded glimpse into new worlds.
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