Striking
music. Gilded dancers. The histories of our land brought to life before our
very eyes by crisply choreographed routines filled with gestures passed down
through the centuries.
This
is Bharatanatyam. And I think it’s safe to say that it truly represents the
pinnacle of art and culture in our incredible city of Chennai.
Bharatanatyam,
for those who don’t know, is a form of Indian classical dance that originated in the temples of Tamil Nadu. It further
developed into its own distinct style during 3rd and 4th century
in ancient Tamilakam. Today, it
has come to be a constant symbol for beauty and tradition in our quickly developing
city. It is recognized, appreciated, and performed the world over, bringing
pride to the land of its birth.
But
such fame and acclaim is not easy to achieve. Bharatanatyam was moulded and
modified and reborn countless times over the centuries with the help of
visionary artists who helped make it into what it is today.
Rukmini
Devi began her life in Madurai on the 29th of February, 1904, in a
very intense time in Indian history. She soon moved with her Theosophist
parents to Chennai where she grew up in close proximity to Annie Besant and the
Theosophical Society. In her youth she was extremely fortunate to be exposed to
a great deal of culture in various forms – dance, art, music, and theatre. She
went on to marry noted British theosophist, George Arundale, and travelled the
world making international connections to prominent members of the global society.
She proved to be an efficient leader, and served as head of several
international associations.
However
she is best remembered for her work in Indian classical dance. Rukmini Devi was
one of those who came late to their calling. Despite growing up surrounded by
various forms of dance, she never truly cared for the art until 1924, when she
saw the performance of renowned ballerina, Anna Pavlova in London. She was so inspired
and moved, that she began to learn ballet herself (at the persuasion of
Ms.Pavlova) and soon moved on to Indian dance. Years later, she finally found
one that stole her heart - Bharatanatyam.
Rukmini
Devi longed to learn and master ‘Sadir Attam’, one of the earlier forms of
Bharatanatyam. She found herself a guru, and despite much social prejudice and
stigma, she began her formal training. To me, the most striking part of her earliest
stages of learning was that it was done in complete secrecy. She met her guru
in private and took lessons with all doors and windows shut and someone always
standing guard. She was determined
to follow her passion and she didn’t let anybody stop her.
She
went on to not only master the art, but revive and redefine it, presenting it
to society in a new light. She took great care throughout the reinvention
process, personally designing new costumes, new jewelry, and new makeup looks.
She even introduced new instruments into the orchestra that provided the music.
She created new routines and gestures, and truly pulled the artform out of the
past and into the 20th century. She poured her heart and soul and
time and talent into her work and the results were nothing short of remarkable.
But
she didn’t stop there. In 1936, she established Kalkshetra, an academy for music and dance which is now a deemed
university under the Kalakshetra
foundation. Todays it boats a 100 acre campus situated in Thiruvanmiyur,
Chennai, and attracts students from across the globe. She
was also an extraordinary humanitarian best known for her fierce work in the
promotion and protection of animal rights.
By
looking at her countless achievements, it is easy to see why she is a well
renowned figure in the story of Madras. She is remembered for her contributions
to art, culture, and her humanitarian work. But I truly believe that she should
be remembered for so much more than that.
In
our hypercompetitive ever-growing global community, as a young lady, I am
always looking for inspiration – for someone to look up to and admire and learn
from. Something important to keep in mind in this context is that we as humans
are programmed to try and look for ourselves in history. We seek out people of
the same ethnicity, from the same city, from similar circumstances. As the
saying goes “Representation is Inspiration.”
In
a history so filled with important statesmen,
she was a shining example of all a woman could become. She was strong and
worked for what she believed in. She was a rebel, who did what she wanted, what
she knew was right for her. She took charge of her life, and charted a course
to greatness.
Rukmini
Devi has unquestionably left a mark on this city. She changed the scene of
culture and art. She established a tremendous institution that today trains
people from across the globe. But more than anything else she has done, I think
she deserves to be remembered and honoured for the marks she left in hearts of
people across our gleaming metropolis. She danced her way not only into the
pages of history, but into the depths of our city’s soul.
She
taught us to honour our heritage. To follow our passions. To build our dreams
into reality. She inspired us to do what we love no matter the cost. She taught
us to be brave.
Noted
novelist, Chuck Palahnuik once said, “The goal isn’t to live forever. It is to
create something that does.”
Rukmini
Devi was a great artist and created many beautiful things in her time.
But
perhaps the greatest thing she created was a story. Her story. A story that
will live through the centuries. A story that will continue to inspire us for generations
to come.
It
is the story we will tell our daughters, to teach them to dream. The story of a
locked room where it all began, a daring young woman from Chennai within,
dancing to a brave new tune that would one day change the world.
That
is a story worth remembering, don’t you think?
Happy
Madras Day :)
Until next time,
Bianka
