Rukmini Devi was born on 29th February, 1904 into a South Indian family with a tradition of culture and scholarship. Her parents were deeply influenced by the Theosophical movement. Rukmini Devi’s own involvement with Theosophy increased with her marriage to Dr. G.S.Arundale. A meeting with Anna Pavlova, the famous Russian ballerina, kindled her interest in dance.
Against tremendous opposition Rukmini Devi trained herself in Bharatanatyam, fired by the desire to revive this art among young people. This led in 1936 to the establishment of Kalakshetra, which has since become one of the premier institutions of India where dance, music, sculpture and the crafts are taught in a Gurukula atmosphere.
The institution under Rukmini Devi maintained the purity and beauty of the spirit embodied in the great art traditions of India, combined with the highest standards of technique and learning, preparing artistes and teachers for a....
