A DOCUMENTATION OF RUKMINI DEVI'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE REVIVAL OF DANCE

Abstract

This dissertation aims to record Rukmini Devi's efforts in reviving South Indian Classical Dance. It explains the change in name of Sadir to Bharatanatyam. The historical background is described first. Then Rukmini Devi 's personal situation is considered. These explain the need to establish Kalakshetra -- a college for the promotion and teaching of fine and performing arts. Rukmini Devi's encounter with Anna Pavlova and her later search for a teacher prompted her to develop a curriculum that not only became the syllabus for Kalakshetra but for all those aspiring to learn Bharatanatyam. Having trained her dancers to be fluent in the technique of dance, she used them to produce dance-dramas. Through the medium of dance, Rukmini Devi brought out the essence of traditional stories. She adhered closely to the technique laid clown in the Natya Sastra, a dramaturgical treatise written by Bharata in c. 500 BC. The Ramayana series of dance-dramas will be explored and analysed in this dissertation. A chapter explaining technique serves as a forerunner to the chapters that analyse the various aspects of dance-drama production. The concepts of stage, costume and dance are discussed in separate sections. In this way I describe the 'Kalakshetra Stamp' which is successful in contemporary works while maintaining ancient tradition.