The Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts is an iconic institution in Chennai, deeply connected to the Kalakshetra Foundation, which has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Indian classical arts. Named after the visionary founder Rukmini Devi Arundale, this college stands as a beacon of cultural education, particularly focusing on Bharatanatyam and Indian classical music.
A Legacy of Tradition and Excellence
Founded as part of the Kalakshetra Foundation, which was established in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale, the college was born out of her passion for reviving the traditional arts of India. Rukmini Devi’s contribution to Bharatanatyam and classical music is unparalleled, as she dedicated her life to the cause of creating a formal space where these arts could thrive. She is widely credited with reshaping Bharatanatyam into its modern, classical form, which blends aesthetic purity with technical precision.
Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, which operates under the umbrella of Kalakshetra Foundation, carries forward her vision by providing a holistic education in Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and other allied arts.
Bharatanatyam: The Heart of Kalakshetra
Bharatanatyam is the soul of Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts. Students here are trained in the traditional style of Kalakshetra Bharatanatyam, which is noted for its elegance, strict adherence to form, and emphasis on expression. The college follows the Kalakshetra Bani, a style of Bharatanatyam that places great importance on geometric precision and clarity of movements.
Students receive not just dance training but are also taught about the theory, history, and philosophy of Bharatanatyam, which was central to Rukmini Devi’s educational ethos. The institution ensures that its students are well-versed in the art form’s cultural context, allowing them to perform with a deeper understanding of its spiritual and cultural roots.
Indian Classical Music: Training in the Carnatic Tradition
Alongside dance, Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts offers comprehensive training in Carnatic music, the classical music tradition of South India. This course is designed for students who wish to pursue careers as vocalists or instrumentalists in the Carnatic tradition. Training in Carnatic music at the college is rigorous and aims at developing a deep understanding of ragas, talas, and compositions by iconic composers like Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri.
Students are taught by accomplished musicians, and their learning is enriched with theoretical knowledge, which includes lessons in musicology and the history of Indian classical music. Regular performances, workshops, and lectures by visiting artists provide students with the opportunity to refine their skills and engage with a broader artistic community.
A Holistic Education: Beyond Bharatanatyam and Music
What sets Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts apart from many other institutions is its focus on holistic education. In addition to Bharatanatyam and music, students are introduced to other disciplines that contribute to a well-rounded education in the arts. The college also offers courses in Kathakali, the classical dance-drama from Kerala, and classes on painting, sculpture, and textile arts. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students are exposed to a variety of creative mediums, fostering artistic versatility.
Moreover, the students are encouraged to participate in stage productions, collaborate with other artists, and be part of the annual Kalakshetra dance dramas. This hands-on experience is invaluable for their professional growth as it prepares them for the rigors of the performing arts world.
Rukmini Devi’s Educational Philosophy
At the heart of the Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts is Rukmini Devi’s educational philosophy, which goes beyond just training artists. Her approach to education was rooted in the idea that learning the arts should also cultivate discipline, moral values, and a sense of service to society. The college thus emphasizes character-building, instilling in its students a sense of responsibility toward preserving and propagating India’s cultural heritage.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Located on the serene, expansive Kalakshetra campus in the heart of Chennai, the college boasts state-of-the-art facilities. Its open-air theaters, auditoriums, classrooms, and rehearsal spaces are designed to create an atmosphere of learning and creativity. The college’s library is a treasure trove of resources, including rare books on dance and music, recordings, and manuscripts, making it an invaluable resource for both students and researchers.
Conclusion
Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts continues to uphold the ideals and values set forth by its founder, creating generations of artists who are not just skilled performers but also custodians of India’s cultural traditions. Whether it’s Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, or other classical arts, students trained here are renowned for their dedication, discipline, and artistic integrity. By nurturing a deep respect for tradition while embracing the possibilities of modern performance, the college remains a vital institution in the world of Indian classical arts.
