Datuk Ramli Ibrahim

Modern & Indian classical dancer, artistic director, Sutra Dance Theatre

 

Legendary dancer and choreographer Ramli Ibrahim, founder of Sutra Dance Theatre, has put Indian classical dance and Malaysia on the international stage

Datuk Ramli Ibrahim is one of the most accomplished Indian classical dancers and choreographers in the world, in both classical and modern idioms. A trailblazer who defied the odds by developing a successful dance career, he has single-handedly elevated Indian classical dance, thrusting it onto the international stage.

Although interested in dance since childhood, Ramli only took up the art form seriously while studying mechanical engineering at the University of Western Australia. He began by studying ballet and modern dance before being introduced to Indian classical dance, or bharatanatyam. He later specialised in Odissi dancing under the tutelage of Deba Prasad Das in India.

When he returned to Malaysia, Ramli founded the Sutra Dance Theatre, bringing recognition to Indian classical dance, especially Odissi, with his critically acclaimed performances throughout the region and the world. He has also taught generations of dancers and choreographers, and has been an outspoken champion of the arts in general, leading him to establish the Sutra Foundation. Besides nurturing new talents, Ramli is a passionate advocate of fully embracing Malaysia’s unique cross-cultural identity to create its own unique voice in the international arts scene.

While remaining best known as an Indian classical dancer, he is also accomplished in ballet and modern dance. He is acknowledged as an example of Living Heritage by the government of Malaysia, and was awarded one of the highest civilian honours in India—the Padma Shri award—in recognition of his contribution to the arts.

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Awards


2018

Padma Shri Award (Government of India)

2009

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’a National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama)

2003

Lifetime Achievement Award (Boh Cameronian)

1999

Fullbright Distinguished Artist Award

Did You Know?


Though he was artistically inclined, Ramli Ibrahim was also an accomplished academic student who qualified for the science stream, and even went to military college.

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