Renowned Classical Dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy Passes Away

Legendary Bharatanatyam dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy passed away on Saturday in Delhi after a long illness. She was 83 years old. Krishnamurthy is credited with popularizing Bharatanatyam in North India in the 1960s, when she chose Delhi as her home.

Krishnamurthy was not just a dancer, but a cultural ambassador. Her vibrant approach to Bharatanatyam, along with her technical precision, captivated audiences worldwide. She trained under the greatest masters of her time, but also incorporated her own unique touch to the art form.

A Life Dedicated to Dance

Krishnamurthy's love for dance began at a young age. Born in Andhra Pradesh, India, she began her training in Bharatanatyam at Kalakshetra in Chennai. Throughout her career, she honed her skills under renowned gurus like Kanchipuram Ellappa Pillai, Kittappa Pillai, Dhandayuthapani Pillai, and Mylapore Gowri Ammal. Her artistic pursuits extended beyond Bharatanatyam, as she also gained proficiency in Kuchipudi and Odissi.

Krishnamurthy's debut performance was in 1957, in Chennai. She spoke fondly of her childhood spent in Chidambaram, a town known for its association with Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. This early exposure to the art form undoubtedly played a role in shaping her artistic journey.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Krishnamurthy's influence on the world of dance is undeniable. Her students, like Rama Vaidyanathan, describe her as a guiding force and a perfectionist. Geeta Chandran, another prominent Bharatanatyam dancer, hails Krishnamurthy's dedication to the art form and her ability to set high standards. Krishnamurthy's contributions place her alongside legends like M.S. Subbulakshmi and Ustad Bismillah Khan as a cultural ambassador for India.

In her later years, Krishnamurthy faced loneliness, but her passion for dance never wavered. She remained an active part of the dance community and was always eager to learn about new developments in the field. Her passing leaves a void in the world of dance, but her life and work will continue to inspire generations of dancers to come.