Rukmini Devi: Bharatanatyam Revival and Kalakshetra

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Questions and Answers

What was Rukmini Devi's primary contribution to Bharatanatyam?

  • Composing new music for the dance.
  • Introducing Western dance styles.
  • Inventing new dance steps.
  • Reviving and modernizing the art form. (correct)

Rukmini Devi established the Kalakshetra Foundation to specifically promote Western theatrical productions.

False (B)

Name one element of curriculum development Rukmini Devi brought to Bharatanatyam to broaden its appeal.

aesthetically designed jewelry, costumes, and stage scenarios

Rukmini Devi choreographed dance dramas based on the _______ and other classical texts.

<p>Ramayana</p>
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What significant change did Rukmini Devi introduce to the traditionally female-oriented Bharatanatyam?

<p>Introducing male dancers. (D)</p>
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Rukmini Devi's technique emphasized a restricted bodily stance in Bharatanatyam.

<p>False (B)</p>
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Besides her contributions to dance, what other cause was Rukmini Devi a 'fervent advocate' for?

<p>animal rights</p>
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Rukmini Devi was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1956 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in _______.

<p>1967</p>
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Match the following contributions with their descriptions:

<p>Revival and Modernization = Making Bharatanatyam a mainstream and respectable art form Kalakshetra Foundation = Institution founded to revive traditional Indian artistic traditions Curriculum Development = Introducing aesthetically designed elements to Bharatanatyam Male Dancers = Introducing male dancers into Bharatanatyam</p>
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What impact did Rukmini Devi have on the perception of Bharatanatyam in society?

<p>It became a mainstream and respectable art form. (D)</p>
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The Kalakshetra Foundation was established in Delhi.

<p>False (B)</p>
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Besides costumes and jewelry, what is another element of stage presentation that Rukmini Devi included in her curriculum to broaden the appeal of Bharatanatyam?

<p>stage scenarios</p>
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Rukmini Devi choreographed dance dramas to bring forth the ____________ concepts of the Ramayana and other classical texts.

<p>spiritual</p>
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What was the traditional orientation of Bharatanatyam before Rukmini Devi introduced male dancers?

<p>Female-oriented (B)</p>
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Rukmini Devi's technique did not change the existing understanding of Bharatanatyam technique.

<p>False (B)</p>
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What philosophical movement was Rukmini Devi associated with in addition to her advocacy for animal rights?

<p>theosophist</p>
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Rukmini Devi received the Sangeet Natak Akademi _____________ in 1967.

<p>Fellowship</p>
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Match the contribution to the description:

<p>Dance Dramas = Incorporating stories from the Ramayana Technique = Emphasizing open bodily stance Animal Welfare = Advocacy extending beyond dance</p>
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In what city is the Kalakshetra Foundation located?

<p>Chennai (B)</p>
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Flashcards

Rukmini Devi's Revival and Modernization

Rukmini Devi revived Bharatanatyam, transforming it from a stigmatized art form into a mainstream and respectable one.

Kalakshetra Foundation

The Kalakshetra Foundation was set up in Madras (now Chennai) to preserve the true spirit of art and revive traditional Indian artistic traditions.

Curriculum Development for Bharatanatyam

Rukmini Devi's curriculum for Bharatanatyam included aesthetically designed jewelry, costumes, and stage scenarios which broadened the dance's appeal.

Male Dancers in Bharatanatyam

She introduced male dancers into the traditionally female-oriented Bharatanatyam tradition, giving them a distinct role.

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Bharatanatyam Technique

Rukmini Devi emphasized a well-centered, open bodily stance and full arm and leg stretches, adding a new dimension to Bharatanatyam technique.

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Dance Dramas Choreographed by Rukmini Devi

Rukmini Devi choreographed Bharatanatyam dance dramas based on the Ramayana and other classical texts, bringing forth their spiritual concepts.

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Awards Given to Rukmini Devi

Rukmini Devi was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1956 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1967.

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Study Notes

  • Rukmini Devi played a crucial role in the revival and modernization of Bharatanatyam
  • Bharatanatyam was once stigmatized and considered vulgar
  • She helped make Bharatanatyam a mainstream and respectable art form

Kalakshetra Foundation

  • The Kalakshetra Foundation was founded in Madras (now Chennai)
  • It was founded to impart the true spirit of art and revive traditional Indian artistic traditions

Curriculum Development

  • Rukmini Devi developed a unique curriculum for Bharatanatyam
  • The curriculum included aesthetically designed jewelry, costumes, and stage scenarios
  • This broadened the dance's appeal

Dance Dramas

  • She conceived and choreographed numerous Bharatanatyam dance dramas
  • These dramas include those based on the Ramayana and other classical texts
  • They bring forth spiritual concepts

Male Dancers

  • She introduced male dancers into the traditionally female-oriented Bharatanatyam tradition
  • This gave them a distinct role

Technique

  • Rukmini Devi emphasized a well-centered, open bodily stance and full arm and leg stretches in the Bharatanatyam technique
  • This added a new dimension to the dance

Animal Welfare

  • Beyond her contributions to dance, she was a dedicated theosophist
  • She was also a fervent advocate for animal rights and a visionary educationalist

Padma Bhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award

  • She was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1956
  • She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1967

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