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Komala is well known for her highly original and innovative choreography in dance. She studied under Guru Vazhuvoor Ramiah Pillai of Chennai for many years.
Komala's dance is all her creation.
- The emminent critic NMN of Chennai wrote "A mind looking for new pastures was reflected in Komala's programme. The format of the recital was unconventional with the usual progression of Alarippu, Jatiswaram etc. abandoned in favour of thematically new musical selections. But the traditional Bharatanatyam idiom and flavour were strongly present in Komala's inventive choreography and sophisticated presentations"
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For the first time ever by any dancer, she conceptualised and choreographed Sri Ram Charit Manas of Tulsi Das as a full fledged solo Bharatanatyam recital and presented it with great success across the country. Ramayana which is normally presented as a ballet is performed by Komala as a solo recital in the narrative mode. This presentation integrating North Indian poetry with the South Indian dance style has been described as a path breaking and pioneering effort and applauded as a meaningful step towards National Integration by bringing about better cultural understanding. |
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- "The presentation of the entire Manas in the Bharatanatyam style must have been a Herculean task and challenge for the artiste, who has not only come out with flying colours in her venture but her efforts have paved the way for North - South cultural bridge" - wrote the Hindustan Times.
- This Ramayana presentation of Komala has been recorded by Doordarshan (India's National TV network) and telecast more than once as a three episode serial.
- Her dance choreography of Sri Ram Charit Manas has also been published as a picture book with a sequence of photographs of the entire performance. It is titled 'Bharatanatyam - Expanding Horizons' and has received rave reviews.
- Komala received the Senior Fellowship from Department of Culture, Govt.of India for conceptualizing and choreographing Sri Ram Charit Manas as a solo Bharatanatyam recital.
Another signal contribution of Komala Varadan is her 'Prakritim Vande - Salutation to Nature', combining her talents as a dancer as well as a photographer. She has selected poems, both ancient and modern, from different Indian languages describing the various aspects and beauty of Nature. The poems set to music by her husband S.Varadan have been choreographed into dance numbers by Komala with great success.
The photographs taken by her on Nature appropriate to each item are projected before that item to embellish the performance.
- The Video version of Prakritim Vande won a 'Certificate of Special Merit' in the International Film Festival on Nature organized by World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
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- This programme was telecast by Doordarshan during prime time as a two part serial on the occasion of the World Environment Day and repeated later.
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| Mr. Jaipal Reddy releasing the CD Prakratim Vande. |
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- Kalikoodam has now produced a VCD of this programme. It was released by the Minister for I&B and Culture Mr. Jaipal Reddy in July, 2005 and the first copy was received by the doyen of Kathak Pt. Birju Maharaj.
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Komala's choreographic compositions on the Buddha theme like Maya and Parimala Madhaveeyam have earned her encomium. She is currently choreographing another programme 'Buddham Saranam Gachchami'.
Her depiction of the Swing effect in Meera Bhajan 'Jhoolat Radha' has been hailed as unique and critically applauded.
Komala is a member of the International Dance Council - CID, which is an umbrella organisation under UNESCO.
- She is a Top Ranking Artist in Doordarshan India and has also performed for Television in many countries abroad.
- Doordarshan, India's National television has produced a four part programme titled 'Expressions' featuring Komala as a Dancer, Painter, Photographer and Writer'
- Films Division, Government of India has produced a Documentary on her titled 'A versatile Artiste - Komala Varadan'
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Komala was honoured with the presentation of the'Key to the Hyogo Prefecture' by Governer T. Kaihara in Kobe. |
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Invited by the Japan Foundation under their prestigious Short Term Visitors Programme (which is higher than Fellowship) to visit Japan. During the visit she interacted with the Dance Masters of Japan. She danced for the Nehru Birth Centenary Celebration and a special program for the Japanese Dance Masters organised by Japan Foundation. |
Komala has been teaching Bharatanatyam for a long time now.
- She was honourary lecturer in the Dance Department of Mysore University.
- She has taught for the Indian Fine Arts Society and Sree Narayana Mission in Singapore.
- Now, she teaches Bharatanatyam for Kalaikoodam. Her students have performed and earned good name for themselves and their Guru.
Komala also writes illustrated articles on dance not only of India but also of other countries.
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