Rukmini Devi Arundale

Indian dancer and social reformer who modernized classical arts while advocating for women's rights

Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904-1986) was a visionary artist and activist who transformed Indian classical dance while championing gender equality. Born in Madras, she popularized Bharatanatyam as a respected art form during its revival in the 1930s. Her 1936 establishment of the Kalakshetra institution created the first formal training system for Indian dance, which has since trained over 10,000 artists. Visit Kalakshetra's official site.

Arundale's innovations included integrating modern dance techniques with traditional forms, creating the 'Rukmini style' still taught today. She also pioneered gender-inclusive education, admitting male students to her academy in 1945 - a radical move at the time. Her 1948 book The Mirror of Indian Dancing became a foundational text in dance theory. As a member of India's first Rajya Sabha, she pushed for women's reservation in Parliament and founded the Theosophical Society's child welfare programs that still operate in 15 Indian states.