Evolution and transitioning are inevitable in life. A journey that might start from the grassroots level ends by leaving multiple transformations, positive changes, and awareness of the surroundings in its wake. The name of Mrinalini Sarabhai is synonymous with similar constructs of evolution and change. With the attempts to merge the traditional classical Indian dance forms into modern Indian dance by incorporating contemporary themes and societal pictures into the recitals, Mrinalini Sarabhai has always been one of the exponents of change through performing arts. In spite of facing a lot of criticism for blending the traditional choreography of classical Indian dance forms with modern performing arts, Mrinalini Sarabhai is known to have transitioned the concept of dance into a mode of self-expression during her inspirational journey as an eminent Indian classical dancer.
Hailing from a family of Tamil Brahmins who were eminent scholars in their own time, Mrinalini Sarabhai, grew up to become a trained Bharatanatyam dancer under the tutelage of Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai. However, her knowledge of Western dance started during her years at a boarding school in Switzerland. As years passed by, Mrinalini wanted to institute a paradigm shift regarding the perception of classical Indian dance and do something innovative out of it that would contain the flavour of the rich Indian cultural heritage at the same time. In her quest for innovation, she also made her first transition by learning the dance form of Kathakali which is also one of the significant Indian classical dance forms from South India. Her first rebellious step in learning the art of Kathakali went on to be successful as she challenged all the societal norms of contemporary times that restricted women from taking up the supposedly male-dominated dance form.
In her journey of learning this dynamic and energetic dance drama, Mrinalini Sarabhai felt a strong inclination towards transforming Indian classical dance forms as mediums of self-expression and portrayal of societal themes. It was undoubtedly a very bold step to unfurl the application of classical Indian dance form that involved the sentiments and cultural tastes of thousands of Indians. Nevertheless, Mrinalini has never shied away from experimenting with her art form which shows her eagerness to make her mark in the creation of a new style of performing arts.
In her pursuit of blending modernity with Indian culture and tradition to her expertise in dance, she established the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts which later on became the centre point of experimentation in Indian classical and fusion dance. As the number of students at her Academy continued to increase filled with enthusiasm to learn a contemporary version of classical Indian dance, and know more about Mrinalini Sarabhai how she choreographed one recital after another, imbued with different societal themes. It was only because of Mrinalini’s determination and passion for dancing that made her adopt topics like environmental conservation, demand for gender equality, human rights, and so on as subjects for her choreographies. Through this unconventional yet creative endeavour by Mrinalini Sarabhai, it became easier to disseminate the art of Indian classical dance, especially Bharatnatyam and Kathakali, to a broader audience, chiefly for those who perceive dance as a more expressive art that depicts a particular theme or concern.
By tracing the extraordinary journey of Mrinalini Sarabhai from being a Bharatnatyam dancer to the proponent of fusion between modern and classical dance forms, the true implication and transformative power of art can be deciphered. To be more specific, the way Mrinalini Sarabhai made her Darpana Academy of Performing Arts one of the most reckoned institutions for dance dramas, it cannot be denied that she wanted to cater to the contemporary audience and their cultural tastes as well. Unlike a general dance recital that is either based on a mythological tale or worshipping of a particular God, know more about Mrinalini Sarabhai fusion choreographies that were automatically appealed to the audience that is more socially and politically aware. This strategic experimental approach not only made Mrinalini Sarabhai one of the pioneers of modern performing arts in India but also left her long legacy to be followed by her students and spread the enigma of Indian classical dance form across the shores as well.
Humanism and women’s empowerment being too most prominent societal themes in the current era, affected Mrinalini Sarabhai and triggered her curiosity to such an extent that she decided to incorporate these themes into her dance recitals. In her presentation Chandalika, based on Tagore’s work in the year 1977, Mrinalini depicted the social evil of untouchability soon followed by the Kingdom of Cards or Tasher Desh, which was too bold to be presented before the Chinese audience and was reportedly requested to be withdrawn by the Indian ambassador in China. She has always tried to foster the idea of an egalitarian society where women’s role is more than lifeless puppets within the domestic household dominated by their male counterparts.
However, amidst all these experimentations and innovative attempts, Mrinalini Sarabhai always discouraged the recreation of work or making modifications in a particular dance form just for the sake of doing something new. That is because she believed in combining contemporary social issues as themes along with her expertise and finesse to give a completely new direction to classical dance form to make it more relatable to the contemporary audience. It can be said that Mrinalini Sarabhai was not only the perfect balance of a versatile artist but an embodiment of grace and eloquence equipped with the technical expertise of Bharatnatyam and Kathakali and at the same time was also a concerned citizen. That is why, to expand the scope of her talent and create a platform for self-expression, the danseuse, often known as the ‘high priestess of Indian dance’ among dance critics who revered her for her contribution to Indian culture classical dance form, wanted to preserve the core essence of Indian classical dance in the packaging of modern themes.
In this way, Mrinalini Sarabhai made a pivotal contribution to the evolution of classical Indian dance forms into modern art that aims to initiate social change. She wanted to make her art one of the chief catalysts for change and a tool for protesting against all the wrongs meted out in society. It can be said that the art forms and contributions by Mrinalini Sarabhai are like inspirational guides that encourage people to shoulder the responsibility of transforming modern society to make it a better place where both humanity and cultural flourishment can have free-flowing growth.