Vijayalakshmi – Vijayalakshmi

About Vijayalakshmi

Vijayalakshmi is a world-renowned Indian classical dancer, an acclaimed exponent of Mohiniyattam, the graceful classical dance form from South India. She is also a choreographer, speaker, feminist, actress, writer & singer. Daughter and disciple of Bharati Shivaji, Vijayalakshmi takes Mohiniyattam to higher levels by constantly exploring uncharted territory and expanding traditional boundaries. Vijayalakshmi celebrates both Indian and worldwide culture through unique innovative choreography, as clearly evidenced in her diverse productions. A recipient of several prestigious awards, Vijayalakshmi continues to rejuvenate and evolve this ancient art form. She has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in India and around the globe, spanning over thirty countries, sponsored by The Govt. Of India, including the Bolshoi Theatre, the Edinburgh International Festival and the Lincoln Centre. Her prominent productions include Unniarcha, inspired from Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art form; Swan Lake, inspired from the great Russian composer Tchaikovsky’s music; and Paryapti, which draws upon the rich cultural ethos and music of Bengal. She is the Artistic-Director of the Centre For Mohiniyattam, New Delhi & the Founder-Director of The Mohiniyattam Institute, Los Angeles.

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A few of her prominent productions include Unniarcha, inspired from Kalaripayattu, an Indian martial art form; Swan Lake, a unique synthesis of East and West, inspired by the great Russian composer Tchaikovsky; Paryapti, which draws upon the rich cultural ethos and musical traditions of the Bengal region of India; and Rain, inspired by the work of internationally acclaimed poet Sudeep Sen, this production brought together renowned artists from India and the US, such as Mac Quayle and Dhrupad exponent Wasiffuddin Dagar.

Media

““Every time Vijayalakshmi steps on stage, she celebrates Mohiniyattam – its energy, grace, power and strength of femininity and above all, how the form exudes and incorporates life in its every move.”

“No Indian dance form involves more swaying or curves than the Mohiniyattam genre of the southwestern state of Kerala. In the ‘Mayil Kuthu’ solo, Vijayalakshmi showed the soft tipping of the torso from side to side…….It’s a sweetly sensuous style, but not without firm features.”

“Mohiniyattam dancer Vijayalakshmi’s own personality is a symbol of multi-culturalism; who has, for the last three-and-a-half decades or so, danced and dazzled her way in the world of Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form with roots in Kerala. Needless to say, that sense of the eclectic has had its effects on her dance; as a result, in her creations, Mohiniyattam sparkles with a multi-cultural aesthetic that allows it to become universal.”

“The audience was amazed when instead of Swan-girls in usual ballet skirts, barefooted beauties in Indian sarees with jasmine flowers in black hair floated on the stage. Their movements were magnificent. They told a love story, taken with delight by the spectators. As for the contents on the performance, the ardour on the stage was stronger, the colours were brighter and the artistes more passionate. The sophisticated audience in Moscow received it with ovation. It turns out to be so pleasant to destroy the steadiest stereotypes.”

“Rarely has one had the feeling of music and dance being perfectly matched as in the recent endeavour of Swan Lake in Mohini Attam based on Tchaikovsky's original music by The Centre for Mohini Attam, under the leadership of Vijayalakshmi....”

“Vijayalakshmi flowed harmoniously in the undulated circles of Mohiniyattam, the most sensual of the styles. It was a graceful end to an enlightened trip.”

“Curves, sweeps, a gloriously swaying gait, and somehow a sense of joy and well-being: Mohiniattam as presented by Bharati Shivaji and her disciple-daughter Vijayalakshmi. Their duet as friends musing on the identity of a handsome man was delectable.”

About Vijayalakshmi

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Photo Credits: Binu Rajput, Sara Baur Harding, Venkatesh Chakravarthy, Avinash Pasricha, Eddy Wein & Khachak Studios

Photo Credits: Binu Rajput, Sara Baur Harding, Venkatesh Chakravarthy,
Avinash Pasricha, Eddy Wein & Khachak Studios