Choreography

'In relating the classical form to a contemporary theme while simultaneously investing it with an individuality and modern sensibility, Malavika has few equals' Leela Venkataraman, The Hindu, Madras'99.

For sheer geometry of lines and precise structural beauty of form, Malavika Sarukkai's dance is unbeatable today. She has stretched her capacity for perfection to its utmost… This is modern Bharata Natyam at its best'. Lakshmi Viswanathan, The Hindu, Madras'98.

Today Malavika is acclaimed, nationally and internationally, for her contemporary Bharata Natyam dance style with its innovative-within-tradition choreography. It is a remarkably rich and intense style that combines dynamism and grace, austerity and passion, energy and repose. It is a style that is aesthetic and accessible and constantly evolving. 

Malavika says : Bharata Natyam is a powerful and evocative language of dance. It is not to be equated only with a repertoire that evolved at a particular point of time under certain social and historic circumstances. 
Bharata Natyam is the language of my training. It provides me with a fundamental alphabet with which I choreograph my dance - both abstract movement and interpretative abhinaya. Like a poet uses the words of a language, a creative dancer uses the vocabulary of dance language to communicate. 

Bharata Natyam has within it the vitality to evolve with changing times even while it has its roots in the past. This has inspired me to create what critics have termed 'innovative-within-tradition' choreography on diverse themes. These presentations have evoked responses from audiences in India and abroad as being stimulating, meaningful and aesthetic.

Choreographing diverse themes has been for me a creative journey, a learning process, a challenge. I have worked with the vocabulary, the grammar and the technique of Bharata Natyam. Adding to the movement vocabulary. Exploring the relationship with space. Reinterpreting the texts in the light of contemporary awareness. Extending the technique in the need to be true to the essence of each new piece. Creating new structures. Commissioning new lyrics and music for many of the productions.

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