Another small clip from the performance of “Rama” The Tillana where Sita returns only to find Rama being hesitant and strange. Sita is so hurt that she asks Mother Earth to take her back within her folds. Performed at the @heritageparampara Gudiya Sambhrama festival. With @raghuram_rajagopalan @shyam_rhythmgam @konnakkolsomashekarjois and Mahesha Swamy #bharatanatyam #dancer #sita #ramayana #abhinaya #rama #gudiyasambhrama
Last night I finally shared my choreography on the Ramayana at the Gudiya Sambhrama festival @heritageparampara These clips are from the Varnam that is from the perspective of Bharata, where he first asks Rama not to leave and is thereafter waiting for Rama to return after his 14 years of exile. It was composed by Dr Rajkumar Bharati, and I performed last night with @raghuram_rajagopalan @konnakkolsomashekarjois @shyam_rhythmgam and Mahesha Swamy. They all brought my ideas and concept to life with their artistry and I feel so lucky to have such amazing artists work with me, and trust me on an idea. I’m so grateful that I have dance in my life. That I get to lose myself in the imaginary world, amidst the gods and goddesses, traverse emotions and return to my world after experiencing a catharsis of sorts. A new production is always something that one is unsure of… and this has taken a while for me to put together. So thankful to everyone who has helped me. @ramyakadambi for coordinating everything! @saishravanam for recording a track for me to rehearse with. My mom, for having me at her festival. And all the members of the audience who shared last evening with me. And most of all, all my gurus, @nrithyodayachennai and my coach @somyarout2806 I will share a few more clips with you all soon. ♥️♥️♥️ #bharatanatyam #dancer #indiandance #indianclassicaldance #rama #sita #ramayana
40 kgs of pure love ❤️. He even helps me and adjusts himself nowadays. My sweetheart, my rock, my baby. I don’t mind being half off the bed if I get to snuggle with this fatty ♥️ #gsd #dogmom #germanshepherd #lifewithkong #kong
Pretending that I can’t see him even though he’s right there 🤣 #kong #gsd #dogmom #lifewithkong
How to express as an artist with what comes through us afresh, through our evolved bodies and beings in this moment, while respecting where we come from – honoring our roots and traditions? On Sunday evening I witnessed a performance that both, touched me personally & inspired the artist within. „SHIVA“ by Rukmini (@dancerukmini) , the story of Shiva and Sati‘s love, shared in two different ways. First through the course of a traditional Varnam in the realm of the classical Indian dance form Bharatanatyam. The second half, Rukmini took the same story, and still drawing from the classical vocabulary of Bharatanatyam, this time breaking down the emotive content to pure physicality and an inferred narrative that is not literal, resulting in a contemporary style that morphs her mastery of tradition into an expanded and feeling based dimension, bringing forth her unique creation. To see how she spent half the stage time to honor her roots, and half the stage time to honor herself and what comes through her, touched me deeply, inspired and left me wondering … what could that look like for me, to honor my roots & the art that comes through. . 📸 All from the second half of SHIVA , but the very last one is from the first half. ✨ The Europe tour is still going! 14.2. in Frankfurt, 15.2. in Amsterdam, 21.2. in Basel. I included the posters in the slides. This is a rare opportunity to experience some very special performances. 🙏🏽 Rukmini for sharing your he·art with us. 🙏🏽 Josephine for your efforts of bringing devoted performers from far away lands to us and for making art accessible to all. @indira_performing_arts @josephineramya . #bharatanatyam #powerofart
How to express as an artist with what comes through us afresh, through our evolved bodies and beings in this moment, while respecting where we come from – honoring our roots and traditions? On Sunday evening I witnessed a performance that both, touched me personally & inspired the artist within. „SHIVA“ by Rukmini (@dancerukmini) , the story of Shiva and Sati‘s love, shared in two different ways. First through the course of a traditional Varnam in the realm of the classical Indian dance form Bharatanatyam. The second half, Rukmini took the same story, and still drawing from the classical vocabulary of Bharatanatyam, this time breaking down the emotive content to pure physicality and an inferred narrative that is not literal, resulting in a contemporary style that morphs her mastery of tradition into an expanded and feeling based dimension, bringing forth her unique creation. To see how she spent half the stage time to honor her roots, and half the stage time to honor herself and what comes through her, touched me deeply, inspired and left me wondering … what could that look like for me, to honor my roots & the art that comes through. . 📸 All from the second half of SHIVA , but the very last one is from the first half. ✨ The Europe tour is still going! 14.2. in Frankfurt, 15.2. in Amsterdam, 21.2. in Basel. I included the posters in the slides. This is a rare opportunity to experience some very special performances. 🙏🏽 Rukmini for sharing your he·art with us. 🙏🏽 Josephine for your efforts of bringing devoted performers from far away lands to us and for making art accessible to all. @indira_performing_arts @josephineramya . #bharatanatyam #powerofart
How to express as an artist with what comes through us afresh, through our evolved bodies and beings in this moment, while respecting where we come from – honoring our roots and traditions? On Sunday evening I witnessed a performance that both, touched me personally & inspired the artist within. „SHIVA“ by Rukmini (@dancerukmini) , the story of Shiva and Sati‘s love, shared in two different ways. First through the course of a traditional Varnam in the realm of the classical Indian dance form Bharatanatyam. The second half, Rukmini took the same story, and still drawing from the classical vocabulary of Bharatanatyam, this time breaking down the emotive content to pure physicality and an inferred narrative that is not literal, resulting in a contemporary style that morphs her mastery of tradition into an expanded and feeling based dimension, bringing forth her unique creation. To see how she spent half the stage time to honor her roots, and half the stage time to honor herself and what comes through her, touched me deeply, inspired and left me wondering … what could that look like for me, to honor my roots & the art that comes through. . 📸 All from the second half of SHIVA , but the very last one is from the first half. ✨ The Europe tour is still going! 14.2. in Frankfurt, 15.2. in Amsterdam, 21.2. in Basel. I included the posters in the slides. This is a rare opportunity to experience some very special performances. 🙏🏽 Rukmini for sharing your he·art with us. 🙏🏽 Josephine for your efforts of bringing devoted performers from far away lands to us and for making art accessible to all. @indira_performing_arts @josephineramya . #bharatanatyam #powerofart
How to express as an artist with what comes through us afresh, through our evolved bodies and beings in this moment, while respecting where we come from – honoring our roots and traditions? On Sunday evening I witnessed a performance that both, touched me personally & inspired the artist within. „SHIVA“ by Rukmini (@dancerukmini) , the story of Shiva and Sati‘s love, shared in two different ways. First through the course of a traditional Varnam in the realm of the classical Indian dance form Bharatanatyam. The second half, Rukmini took the same story, and still drawing from the classical vocabulary of Bharatanatyam, this time breaking down the emotive content to pure physicality and an inferred narrative that is not literal, resulting in a contemporary style that morphs her mastery of tradition into an expanded and feeling based dimension, bringing forth her unique creation. To see how she spent half the stage time to honor her roots, and half the stage time to honor herself and what comes through her, touched me deeply, inspired and left me wondering … what could that look like for me, to honor my roots & the art that comes through. . 📸 All from the second half of SHIVA , but the very last one is from the first half. ✨ The Europe tour is still going! 14.2. in Frankfurt, 15.2. in Amsterdam, 21.2. in Basel. I included the posters in the slides. This is a rare opportunity to experience some very special performances. 🙏🏽 Rukmini for sharing your he·art with us. 🙏🏽 Josephine for your efforts of bringing devoted performers from far away lands to us and for making art accessible to all. @indira_performing_arts @josephineramya . #bharatanatyam #powerofart
How to express as an artist with what comes through us afresh, through our evolved bodies and beings in this moment, while respecting where we come from – honoring our roots and traditions? On Sunday evening I witnessed a performance that both, touched me personally & inspired the artist within. „SHIVA“ by Rukmini (@dancerukmini) , the story of Shiva and Sati‘s love, shared in two different ways. First through the course of a traditional Varnam in the realm of the classical Indian dance form Bharatanatyam. The second half, Rukmini took the same story, and still drawing from the classical vocabulary of Bharatanatyam, this time breaking down the emotive content to pure physicality and an inferred narrative that is not literal, resulting in a contemporary style that morphs her mastery of tradition into an expanded and feeling based dimension, bringing forth her unique creation. To see how she spent half the stage time to honor her roots, and half the stage time to honor herself and what comes through her, touched me deeply, inspired and left me wondering … what could that look like for me, to honor my roots & the art that comes through. . 📸 All from the second half of SHIVA , but the very last one is from the first half. ✨ The Europe tour is still going! 14.2. in Frankfurt, 15.2. in Amsterdam, 21.2. in Basel. I included the posters in the slides. This is a rare opportunity to experience some very special performances. 🙏🏽 Rukmini for sharing your he·art with us. 🙏🏽 Josephine for your efforts of bringing devoted performers from far away lands to us and for making art accessible to all. @indira_performing_arts @josephineramya . #bharatanatyam #powerofart
How to express as an artist with what comes through us afresh, through our evolved bodies and beings in this moment, while respecting where we come from – honoring our roots and traditions? On Sunday evening I witnessed a performance that both, touched me personally & inspired the artist within. „SHIVA“ by Rukmini (@dancerukmini) , the story of Shiva and Sati‘s love, shared in two different ways. First through the course of a traditional Varnam in the realm of the classical Indian dance form Bharatanatyam. The second half, Rukmini took the same story, and still drawing from the classical vocabulary of Bharatanatyam, this time breaking down the emotive content to pure physicality and an inferred narrative that is not literal, resulting in a contemporary style that morphs her mastery of tradition into an expanded and feeling based dimension, bringing forth her unique creation. To see how she spent half the stage time to honor her roots, and half the stage time to honor herself and what comes through her, touched me deeply, inspired and left me wondering … what could that look like for me, to honor my roots & the art that comes through. . 📸 All from the second half of SHIVA , but the very last one is from the first half. ✨ The Europe tour is still going! 14.2. in Frankfurt, 15.2. in Amsterdam, 21.2. in Basel. I included the posters in the slides. This is a rare opportunity to experience some very special performances. 🙏🏽 Rukmini for sharing your he·art with us. 🙏🏽 Josephine for your efforts of bringing devoted performers from far away lands to us and for making art accessible to all. @indira_performing_arts @josephineramya . #bharatanatyam #powerofart
A small excerpt from Talattu. Where Radha first hears from krishna of his departure. She’s sorrowful and upset. (Video was not shot for reels!) I’m performing this production on my europe tour! Details below. EUROPE TOUR – Feb 2025 Feb 7 Munich Workshop, Explore Charis Location: Rosenheimer strasse 5, Gasteig Time : 5.30PM- 8.30PM Feb 8 Munich Performance, TALATTU Location: Hans-Preißinger-Straße 8 Time: 6:30 PM Feb 10 Hamburg Workshop, Dance with Me Location: Daimlerstraße 71A, 22761 Hamburg Time: 6.15PM-7.45 PM Feb 9 Hamburg Performance, SHIVA Location: Hamburger Sprechwerk, Klaus-Groth-Straße 23 Time: 6:00 PM Feb 11 Hamburg Workshop, Adavu Exploration Location: Daimlerstraße 71A, 22761 Hamburg Time: 6 PM – 8.30 PM Feb 12 Berlin Workshop Explore Charis Location: Oudenarder Straße 16-20, 13347 Berlin Time: 5 PM – 8 PM Feb 13 Frankfurt Workshop Adavu exploration Location: Stuttgarter Straße 7, 65760 Eschborn-Frankfurt am Main West Time: 5PM – 8 PM Feb 14 Frankfurt Performance, TALATTU Location: Internationales Theater, Frankfurt Time : 8.PM Feb 15 Amsterdam Performance, SHIVA Location:CREA, Amsterdam Time: 6:30 PM Feb 18 Paris Workshop, Explore Charis Location: 3 Rue de I’Est, 75020 Paris Time: 7PM – 10PM Feb 16 Amsterdam, Abhinaya Intensive Location: TBD Time: 10AM – 5PM Feb 21 Basel Performance ABDUCTED Location:Querfeldhalle, Basel Time: 8 PM Feb 22-23 Basel Workshop 2 day intensive Location: Signalstrasse 33, Basel Time: 10AM – 5PM Contact: [email protected] #rukminivijayakumar #indiraperformingarts #indischertanz #bharatanatyam #munichevents #indiandanceineurope #indiandance #gasteigevents
Sant Meerabai, the Bhakti Saint of the 16th century, played a pivotal role in the Bhakti Movement in Northern India. As a young girl, Little Meera once saw a wedding procession and innocently asked her mother, “Who will be my bridegroom?” Her mother lovingly replied, “Lord Krishna.” This moment seems to have laid the foundation for Meera’s unwavering love and devotion to Bhagavan. Each day, she would immerse herself in _Prema Bhakti_ – profound, in loving devotion to the Lord—singing bhajans in His praise. Despite being married to King Rana, she remained steadfast in her yearning to unite with Krishna, living true to the essence of her song: “_Mere To Giridhar Gopal, Dusro Na Koyi_,” which translates to, “My Lord is Giridhar Gopal; none else do I seek.” HH Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, in His Madhurageetham, draws a parallel between Meera and Champakalata, one of the eight Gopis in Vrindavan. Like Meera, Champakalata served the Lord with a chamara (fan), adorned Him with jewels, and sang and danced in divine ecstasy. Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer *Rukmini Vijayakumar* seamlessly weaves these enchanting details into her storytelling. Meera’s childhood was a saga of devotion, spent playing with the mischievous Krishna, singing and dancing to the jingling of her anklets, strumming her tanpura, and spreading the essence of Bhakti. Meanwhile, *Ambi Subramaniam*, the “New King of Indian Classical Violin,” captures the emotions of Meera through his soulful strings in the evocative Kapi raga. Credits: ‘Kutti Meera’ Composition by HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji Music Production – @ambisub and @hrisheekganesh Mridangam and Khanjira – @akshaylaya Video : @vivianambrose Editing : @jyolsnapanicker Video Production: @paradkarrutu , @ramyakadambi , @pavandwarakanath Commissioned for and Produced by @spiritofmargazhi #margazhi #rukminivijayakumar #bharatanatyam #madhurageetham #kapi #carnaticmusic #ambisubramaniam #violin #duet #riseofmargazhi #meerabai #santmeerabai #mirabai #devocional #krishna #giridhari #bhakti
THE DANCER & THE BAG 7th March @8 pm The underground comedy club in Koramangala , bangalore Get your tickets now! Limited space 😁😁😁 #comedy #novice #ruksavatars #outofmycomfortzone #dancer #standupcomedy
ANOTHER SNEAK PEEK✨ of this immersive artistic collaboration challenging social norms and pushing the boundaries of dance on February 21, 2025 at Querfeldhalle, Basel. „Abducted“ is an experimental Bharatanatyam dance production by @dancerukmini inspired by stories of abduction and abuse of women and female-presenting individuals from India and around the world. It explores themes of power, abuse and female rage through the lens of dance. In an experimental artistic approach the performance challenges and expresses sociopolitically and culturally relevant themes accompanied by live music from @ashnaa_ns @madhavgopinair @magnusdauner @sawezer After successul international performances, „Abducted“ will debut in Europe in Basel, Switzerland. Concept & Choreography: Rukmini Vijayakumar Music composition: R Raghuram Light design: Gyan Dev Singh Supported by: @ggg_basel @artlink.ch @vereinquerfeld Video edit: @natyaatma
I had a dance teacher in college who told me “if you don’t use it, you lose it” and she only had to say it once for me to remember it forever. Whenever I have a new skill that I’ve practiced, I have to make sure that I don’t let it go for too long. I have to keep practising it, otherwise I won’t have it in my body any longer. With movement practices this is the catch. It’s not enough to get it once, you have to keep repeating it until it becomes a norm for your body. And even then, you have to continue to remind your muscles once in a while…. Exactly what I’m doing in this video. It had been a while since I did this and I was a little worried that I might lose it, if I let it go for too long. 😊 #movementpractice #dancerlife #yoga #indianclassicaldance
21 day of wellness! Jan 3rd- 24th 2025. 5:15 -6:15 am , join us online for sessions led by @dancerukmini Register now! Prioritise yourself and begin your journey into wellness. Link in bio . #wellness #rukswellness #innergrowth #yoga #health #vedanta #mentalhealth #2025 #21daywellnesschallenge
ALMOST THERE! 💃 Come and immerse yourselves in Rukmini Vijayakumar’s @dancerukmini spellbinding storytelling ✨SHIVA ✨ Happening next Saturday FEB 15th, 6:30pm @creaamsterdam 💃 @indira_performing_arts is bringing this to Holland in collaboration with @nl_adavumeet and Indian Dance Europe! SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE! Check bio for link and BOOK UP 💃 #amsterdam #dance #bharatanatyam #indianclassicaldance #artistsoninstagram #instagram #show #promotion #dancers #enthusiast
2024 It’s been an eventful year! and Im not sure that this reel captures everything that the year held for me, but its a collection of moments. Ive had about 35 performances, Taught two full residential dance intensives, received 3 awards, run two half marathons with my coach @somyarout2806 , got to 25 mts freediving, spent a substantial amount of time choreographing on my students for their solo performances, and also moved to a new home this year. I also birthed my comic self @ruks_avatars . A very scary thing for me, because comedy is the hardest thing! And I wasn’t sure about doing it until my dive buddies convinced me to dive into it. Also had some lovely dance collaborations that forced me out of my comfort zone. So much has happened this year…. What I’m happy for are the moments of pause. I met friends, made time for family, spent a lot of time with Kong, shared some precious moments with my dance Gurus, ate butter idlis, read a lot of books and painted after a very long time. I also made time to train a lot, and work on myself artistically and otherwise. I had the best time with all the artists that I worked with! SO many this year… but i had a blast with my besties @raghuram_rajagopalan @shyam_rhythmgam @khanjiraboy who were around for most things! I’m so grateful for all the organisers & people who invited me to workshops, performances, awards, talks and events. Wishing you all a very very joyous 2025! #2024 #2025 #recap #dancerlife #bharatanatyam #bharatanatyamdancer
Begin 2025 with Intention and Movement! LAST 3 days to register. Join Rukmini Vijayakumar for an enriching online journey from January 3rd to 24th, 2025. Each day, dive into a unique practice—whether it’s yoga, strength training, movement flow, or open dance—designed to meet your physical, mental, and spiritual needs. These hour-long sessions start with a short warm-up, followed by focused movement, and conclude with breathwork or meditation to center your day. Open to all levels and ages, this program is the perfect way to cultivate a healthy and mindful lifestyle in the new year. Sign up now and reserve your spot! Link in bio! https://rzp.io/rzp/21daysofwellness Video @ramyakadambi #wellness #2025 #newyear #innergrowth #mentalhealth #yoga #strength #dancewithme #21daychallenge
Start Your Year the Right Way! Register now! 21 days of wellness . An online session led by Rukmini Vijayakumar from January 3rd to 24th, 2025, from 5:15 AM to 6:15 AM IST. In a world full of daily stresses and demands, it’s essential to take care of ourselves—physically, mentally, intellectually, and spiritually. This one-hour class is designed to cater to these needs, helping you set a positive tone for the day and the year ahead. Class Structure: – 5 minute warm-up: Get your body ready. – 40 minutes of physical engagement: A mix of yoga, strength training, functional exercises, movement flow, or open dance. – 10 minutes of intention setting: Reflect on how to approach the world and welcome new opportunities with small shifts in mindset. – Closing: Breathwork, guided visualization, or meditation to bring calm and perspective. (Recordings will be available for those in varied time zones) Registration link in bio https://rzp.io/rzp/21daysofwellness #wellness #21daysofwellness #innergrowth #beauty #happiness #newyear #yoga #dancewithme #mentalhealth #spirituality
Join Us for a Transformative Wellness Retreat in the Maldives (April 1–7, 2025) Escape to the breathtaking island of Dhigurah in the Maldives for a one-of-a-kind wellness retreat that nourishes your body, mind, and soul. From April 1st to April 7th, 2025, immerse yourself in a week of self-discovery, movement, and connection amidst pristine beaches and turquoise waters. Guided by @dancerukmini , in collaboration with @oneoceanonelove , this retreat is designed to help you reconnect with yourself through nature, adventure, and mindful practices. Highlights include: • Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant underwater world, with opportunities to see whale sharks, nurse sharks, manta rays, and more. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, enjoy guided discovery dives led by experts. • Yoga & Movement Practices: Begin your days with rejuvenating yoga sessions and engage in dynamic movement practices and expressive dance. • Meditation & Intention-Setting: Find inner clarity with guided meditations and workshops designed to help you set powerful intentions for personal growth. • Nature Immersion: Spend your days soaking in the beauty of Dhigurah’s stunning beaches, expansive sandbanks, and clear lagoons. Evening beach walks, boat rides, and time in the ocean provide a perfect balance of activity and relaxation. This retreat is an intimate experience with a small group of like-minded individuals, ensuring personal attention and connection throughout. Registration is limited, so reserve your spot now! 📧 For details, email [email protected] 📲 WhatsApp or message 91 9845407574 📌 Links to register and access a detailed PDF are available in the bio. Reconnect with nature, explore new depths, and embark on a journey of holistic growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to rejuvenate in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations! #wellness #rukswellness #innergrowth #yoga #mentalhealth #vedanta #dancewithme #strength #Maldives #diving #snorkeling
Halfway through the tour!!! COMING UP… Feb 15 Amsterdam Performance, SHIVA Location:CREA, Amsterdam Time: 6:30 PM Feb 18 Paris Workshop, Explore Charis Location: 3 Rue de I’Est, 75020 Paris Time: 7PM – 10PM Feb 16 Amsterdam, Abhinaya Intensive Location: TBD Time: 10AM – 5PM Feb 21 Basel Performance ABDUCTED Location:Querfeldhalle, Basel Time: 8 PM Feb 22-23 Basel Workshop 2 day intensive Location: Signalstrasse 33, Basel Time: 10AM – 5PM Contact: [email protected] #rukminivijayakumar #indiraperformingarts #indischertanz #bharatanatyam #munichevents #indiandanceineurope #indiandance #gasteigevents
Halfway through the tour!!! COMING UP… Feb 15 Amsterdam Performance, SHIVA Location:CREA, Amsterdam Time: 6:30 PM Feb 18 Paris Workshop, Explore Charis Location: 3 Rue de I’Est, 75020 Paris Time: 7PM – 10PM Feb 16 Amsterdam, Abhinaya Intensive Location: TBD Time: 10AM – 5PM Feb 21 Basel Performance ABDUCTED Location:Querfeldhalle, Basel Time: 8 PM Feb 22-23 Basel Workshop 2 day intensive Location: Signalstrasse 33, Basel Time: 10AM – 5PM Contact: [email protected] #rukminivijayakumar #indiraperformingarts #indischertanz #bharatanatyam #munichevents #indiandanceineurope #indiandance #gasteigevents
Begin 2025 with Intention and Movement! Join Rukmini Vijayakumar for an enriching online journey from January 3rd to 24th, 2025. Each day, dive into a unique practice—whether it’s yoga, strength training, movement flow, or open dance—designed to meet your physical, mental, and spiritual needs. These hour-long sessions start with a short warm-up, followed by focused movement, and conclude with breathwork or meditation to center your day. Open to all levels and ages, this program is the perfect way to cultivate a healthy and mindful lifestyle in the new year. Sign up now and reserve your spot! Link in bio! https://rzp.io/rzp/21daysofwellness Photo @anupjkat #wellness #2025 #newyear #innergrowth #mentalhealth #yoga #strength #dancewithme #21daychallenge
