Dancer, Choreographer Ranee Ramaswamy Named McKnight Distinguished Artist
Submitted by Steve on June 2, 2011
The McKnight Foundation has named Minnesota-based dancer and choreographer Ranee Ramaswamy as the 2011 McKnight Distinguished Artist, in recognition of artistic excellence spanning more than three decades. Now in its 14th year, the annual honor includes a $50,000 cash award and recognizes individual Minnesota artists who have made significant contributions to the quality of the state's cultural life.
Ramaswamy is well known as the founding artistic director and choreographer of Minnesota's renowned Ragamala Dance, named for their successful production of “Ragamala: A Painting In Motion” at the Southern Theater. The company was established in 1992 with Minneapolis musician David Whetstone, who left the organization in 1997.