Mrinalini Sarabhai: Dance, Activism, and Cultural Renaissance
Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Mrinalini Sarabhai (11 May 1918 โ 21 January 2016) was an Indian classical dancer, choreographer and instructor. She was the founder and director of the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, an institute for imparting training in dance, drama, music and puppetry, in the city of Ahmedabad.
Life and Career
Mrinalini Sarabhai was born on 11 May 1918, in Kerala, India. She came from a family that had a deep interest in the arts, and she developed a passion for dance at a young age. She began her training in Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, under the guidance of Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai.
Mrinalini Sarabhai had a remarkable career as a dancer, choreographer, and instructor. She became known for her expertise in Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, another classical dance form from South India. Sarabhai founded the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 1949. The academy became a renowned institution for training dancers and promoting various forms of Indian classical and contemporary dance.
Sarabhai performed extensively both in India and internationally, showcasing her skills and spreading awareness about Indian dance forms. She collaborated with several eminent artists and dancers from around the world and gained recognition for her innovative choreography and graceful performances.
Mrinalini Sarabhai passed away on 21 January 2016, at the age of 97. Her death marked the end of an era for Indian classical dance, as she had played a significant role in promoting and preserving the art form.
Award and Legacy
Some of the notable honors she received include the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in 1992, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, the highest honor in the performing arts in India, in 1994. Mrinalini Sarabhai’s legacy as a dancer, choreographer, and educator remains significant in the world of Indian classical dance. Her efforts in establishing the Darpana Academy and her tireless work in training dancers and promoting the art form have left an indelible mark. Many of her students have gone on to become renowned dancers and choreographers themselves, carrying forward her vision and passion.
On 11 May 2018, Google celebrated Mrinalini Sarabhaiโs 100th Birthday with a doodle.
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