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A century ago, in Tamil Nadu, these issues about dancers being "easy" women were part of the remnants of the Devdasi tradition. The grand temple dancers from the 10th century who enjoyed royal patronage and were women of great learning were slowly diluted into becoming women of the street with royalty getting displaced and dispossessed.
The MS in MS Subbalakshmi stands testimonial to these women and their lives. MS stands for Madurai Shanmukavadivu, Subbalakshmi's mother. Her marriage to Sadashivam, her husband/patron/music agent ensured her entering the "decent" homes of Tamil Nadu and broke the mold. She also lived an exemplary life of service and spirituality. She is the original Sarvagun Sampann.
Rukmini Devi Arundale of Kalakshetra fame spearheaded the morphing of Tamil Nadu's ancient dance form of Bharathanatyam from its "hovels" of prostitution to modern, Victorian respectability. In those days, it was called "sadiraattam"with a lot of intricate footwork (not unlike kathak) and a lot of eye gestures that 'beckoned'- considered too flirty for the propriety of Victorian Madras. She also introduced the art form to a larger global audience.
Today, bharathanatyam clones can be found all over the world learning and dancing this ancient dance form with total public acceptance. We have Rukmini Devi to thank for it. Hopefully, this show will also showcase the philosophy of the art form that is Laavani.
The MS in MS Subbalakshmi stands testimonial to these women and their lives. MS stands for Madurai Shanmukavadivu, Subbalakshmi's mother. Her marriage to Sadashivam, her husband/patron/music agent ensured her entering the "decent" homes of Tamil Nadu and broke the mold. She also lived an exemplary life of service and spirituality. She is the original Sarvagun Sampann.
Rukmini Devi Arundale of Kalakshetra fame spearheaded the morphing of Tamil Nadu's ancient dance form of Bharathanatyam from its "hovels" of prostitution to modern, Victorian respectability. In those days, it was called "sadiraattam"with a lot of intricate footwork (not unlike kathak) and a lot of eye gestures that 'beckoned'- considered too flirty for the propriety of Victorian Madras. She also introduced the art form to a larger global audience.
Today, bharathanatyam clones can be found all over the world learning and dancing this ancient dance form with total public acceptance. We have Rukmini Devi to thank for it. Hopefully, this show will also showcase the philosophy of the art form that is Laavani.
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