FOUNDER
The Dance of Raja Rasa
A short story of how Kieran Gourley became Raja Rasa.
​
In the remote, pristine air of Christchurch, New Zealand, Kieran Gourley was born
into a family that cherished both intellect and creativity. His mother was nurturing and
encouraging; his father, a wise academic, possessed a rare understanding of the
creative path their son embraced from a very early age.
From early childhood, Kieran was drawn to the intricacies of movement, using dance
as a way to express himself and connect with the world. By the age of four, it was
clear to everyone—Kieran was born to dance. As he grew, he dove headfirst into
classical ballet, training rigorously and fuelling a passion that would guide his path
through years of dedication.
At eighteen, his efforts paid off with a coveted position in the Australian Ballet School and then at twenty one he was accepted into the prestigous Australian Ballet Company. The excitement was immense, but with it came the weight of expectation—to conform to traditional standards and technique. Despite grand performances and critical acclaim, Kieran felt a growing void within him—an ache to express something deeper about the human experience through his art. This longing led him to discover the concept of Raja Rasa—rooted in the ancient
Natya Shastra and centred on the emotional essence of performance.
But Kieran’s true transformation began when he fully embraced his alter-ego: Raja
Rasa, a name symbolising the emotional convergence he sought in his craft. He
began to envision a new form of expression: Sacred Ballet, where the technical
discipline of ballet met the profound emotional depth of Rasa.
This is the story of his transcendence…
​
The Call to Something Greater…
Kieran’s search for meaning led him to the practice of Aikido-Yoga, guided by a
mysterious yet magnetic teacher named Jules. Jules had a unique
mastery—blending the fluid, harmonious movements of Aikido with the spiritual
depth of Yoga. An Australian who had spent years teaching and studying in India,
Jules had even trained classical Indian dancers at Nrityagram, a renowned dance
village in Southern India.
Jules' approach combined movement, philosophy, and inner transformation. On a
cold, frosty Melbourne morning, Kieran stepped into Jules’ oceanfront studio.
Welcoming and serene, it immediately felt like a sacred space.
“True Dance is mind-bogglingly beautiful and effortlessly effective all at once,” Jules said, “but dance without understanding yourself is like a two-dimensional painting without colour.”
​
Deepening the Journey…
Under Jules’ mentorship, Kieran delved into a new realm of practice. The physical
demands of Aikido, paired with the spiritual rigor of Yoga, opened doors within him
he hadn’t known existed. Through meditation, he began uncovering layers of
emotion long buried beneath the pressure of success. Jules’ teachings struck a
chord in his soul.
“Transcendence,” Jules would say, “is the journey along the road less travelled—of
rising above self-imposed limits to discover a deeper truth. And when you transcend
your teacher, you make room for interdependence to emerge.”
Kieran found himself sharing these insights with fellow dancers:
“Aikido-Yoga has started a journey of self-discovery within me that has offered more
than any book I’ve ever read. It shows the beauty of art and life. As an artist, I’ve
learned that there are no tricks—only the testing of the body. But Aikido-Yoga has
shown me how to move beyond the body, toward a deeper understanding of myself
and my art.”
— Kieran Gourley, 2001
He learned to move with strength and softness, to surrender and yet remain
powerful. He began to weave these principles into his dance, infusing his
movements with presence, flow, and authenticity. Through his exploration of the
Navarasas, he finally experienced Shringara—the emotion of love—not just as an
idea, but as a lived, embodied Truth.
​
​
A New Vision: Raja Rasa…
Years passed. Kieran deepened his daily practices in ballet, martial arts, and yoga.
Immersed in his study of Raja Rasa, he envisioned Sacred Ballet—a fusion of
classical ballet’s discipline, the spiritual depth of Aikido-Yoga, and the emotional
intelligence of Rasa.
With conviction born of struggle, he began creating pieces that told raw, human
stories—of love, courage, despair, and compassion. Each rehearsal became a
communion with his inner self. But the journey was not without obstacles.
Many traditionalists resisted. The world of professional ballet is competitive, and
survival often depends on conforming. Kieran understood. The pressure to “make it”
was real. But the presence of Jules reminded him:
“Art is not stagnant. Embrace discontent—it’s the catalyst for greatness.”
​
The Performance of a Lifetime…
The moment of truth arrived: a solo performance unlike any other. No choreography.
No rehearsal. Just raw presence.
Jules wrote a script to guide the audience’s inner journey, but the heart of the
experience was Sacred Ballet—performed by Raja Rasa himself.
The auditorium was dark and silent. Jules had instructed the audience not to
applaud, but if touched, they were welcome to silently place a hand on their
heart—an intimate recognition of shared Truth.
A spotlight illuminated Kieran’s half-naked form. His ribcage, breath, and heartbeat
were visible. Motionless, yet alive. The presence he held was magnetic. He was no
longer a performer. He was Raja Rasa. And in that moment, audience and dancer
became one.
As he moved, the emotions of the Navarasas poured through him. The dance
transcended words. It was not watched—it was experienced.
At the climax, the room pulsed with shared emotion. Silence followed. And then, one
by one, the audience rose—not to clap, but to gather around Raja Rasa, each
person laying a hand on him, the other over their own heart. Those too far away laid
their hand on the person in front of them. Gratitude radiated through the crowd,
binding them in a sacred moment of connection.
​
Embarking on a New Path…
Kieran had touched something real. Something universal.
Inspired by Jules’ mantra— “Teach what you need to learn”—he opened his own
studio, a sanctuary where Sacred Ballet could live and evolve.
Word spread. Dancers, yogis, martial artists, and curious seekers began arriving.
Kieran taught:
“Dance is a journey to understand yourself, and your place in the Realm. Through
movement, we explore the landscape of emotion. Sacred Ballet invites you to be
vulnerable… and to be real.”
​
Final Reflections…
Kieran’s journey continues—alive, ever-changing, never complete. He teaches as he
learns, and learns as he teaches. He lives in a continuum of grace, gratitude, and
growth.
“Art and life are inseparable journeys,” Jules had told him.
“The real question is: Will you, won’t you… will you, won’t you… join the dance?”
Kieran’s personal quest has become a movement. One that welcomes those ready
to explore their emotional depths, craft their unique expression, and share their soul
with the world.
So, if something in this story stirred you…
If the fire within you wants more than form, fame, or technique…
If you are seeking Truth through Movement…
Join him.
Join us.
This is the dance of Raja Rasa...