GEORGE TOWN, May 17 — Dancer and choreographer Datuk Ramli Ibrahim needs no introduction. After all, he has been cultivating the art of Indian classical dance in Malaysia for the past three decades.

Trained in classical ballet and modern dance, the 61-year-old is well known for his captivating performances in Indian classical dance, particularly in Odissi.

He founded Sutra Dance Theatre back in 1983 and launched Sutra Foundation in 2007 to cultivate more interest in traditional dance and the performing arts.

He was recently in Penang to attend Naga Women — a presentation by Masakini Theatre – which features solo performances by his friends, Sabera Shaik, Rajika Puri and Anita Ratnam.

Here, he talks about his hopes for the performing arts industry and Malaysia.

In his own words: