By Krishiv Shah
New York, NY — On February 22, 2025, the Theatre at St. Jean in New York became a sacred space for vibrant Indian classical dance, as dancers gathered to pay tribute to the legendary Rukmini Devi. The second annual performance of, “The Fragrance of a Legend: A tribute to Rukmini Devi Arundale”, led by dancers Damir Tasmagambetov and Tatyana Popova—both alumni of the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai—captured the essence of Rukmini Devi’s vision, celebrating her enduring impact on Indian classical dance.
A pioneer in many ways, Rukmini Devi was a theosophist, choreographer, and social reformer who redefined Bharatanatyam, transforming it from a temple dance into an art form performed on global stages. As the first woman to be nominated to India’s Rajya Sabha, she was also a vocal advocate for animal rights and cultural preservation. Her legacy, however, extends beyond these milestones—she made Bharatanatyam accessible beyond caste and class barriers, being the first woman from an upper caste to perform the dance style. The Kalakshetra Foundation was established by her in 1936 to spread her passion for this style. Now, Kalakshetra style dancing has not only grown and influenced other forms of dance, but is the most common form of Bharatnatyam.
The event was envisioned by Damir and Tatyana, and coordinated by a passionate team of volunteers led by program coordinator Vidya Iyer, all part of the Young Indian Cultural Group of Long Island. The event featured a stellar lineup of artists. Alongside Damir and Tatyana, the evening included performances by Malini Srinivasan, a third-generation Bharatnatyam dancer, and Sanyogita Padhye, a New Jersey-based Kathak artist. A special Manipuri dance segment by Jagannath Lairenjam and group further highlighted the interconnectedness of Indian classical traditions. Students, or shishyas, were played by high schoolers Anamika Rajesh, Anna Varghese, Jasmine Nair, Mahiya Vira, Samyuktha Iyer, Sanjana Iyer, Sanvi Nair, and Sreya Nair, showcasing their dedication to the craft.The storyline, which was voiced over by Rajan Narayanaswamy, further enriched the narrative.
(Photos courtesy: Rukmini Devi Event)
Tatyana shared that this festival is their “humble offering to the extraordinary legacy of Rukmini Devi”, and that through this festival, they aimed to celebrate the timeless elegance of Indian classical dance and ensure that future generations will continue to be inspired by Rukmini Devi’s ideals, which were education without fear, art without vulgarity, and beauty without cruelty.
Reflecting on the experience, Bharatanatyam dancer and senior at Syosset High School Sanjana Iyer shared, “Exploring Rukmini Devi’s journey through dance and her drive and
determination to bring this dance style to a wider audience was really inspiring. Seeing the similarities among different forms of dance made me realize how incredibly interconnected and universal dance is.”
One particularly resonant moment came when Annapoorni Shadagopan, who played Rukmini Devi herself, quoted the Tamil proverb, Poovodu serntha narum manakkum—“The fragrance of the flowers is shared by the string that ties them together.” Sitting in the audience as an Indian American, this sentiment felt personal. Watching the performance, I saw how Bharatanatyam—once bound by rigid cultural and social boundaries—has expanded across continents, weaving together dancers of different backgrounds, all tied by the same thread of devotion to the art. It reminded me of my own journey, growing up between cultures, sometimes feeling disconnected but ultimately finding meaning in the shared histories that shape us.
Perhaps that is the true lesson of Rukmini Devi’s legacy—not just that Bharatanatyam was saved, but that art, like identity, is ever-evolving. We carry the fragrance of those who came before us, shaping and reshaping traditions with every step.
Krishiv Shah, the founder and submission coordinator of Kaleidoscope, is an Indian-American senior at Syosset High School with aspirations to pursue a degree in International Studies and Business.
