Meet Vijaya Lakshmi: Indian classical dancer, choreographer, speaker, feminist, actress, writer & singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vijaya Lakshmi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vijaya, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
The greatest risk is to be oneself, because, everything in our conditioning is about being what we are expected to be, rather than be who we really are. It is a “risk” well worth taking! When I look back at my life and all the events in it, be it personal or professional, I see that I never feared taking risks. People who have had the greatest impact in society are those who did not shy away or get intimidated by taking risks. It is obviously, much more “safer” and convenient to follow the herd, but to follow ones heart, takes immense courage and conviction. I have found, that when I decided to take risks, and follow my intuition, the path, however challenging, has been immensely rewarding, in fact in unprecedented ways. It’s almost like, when we, as individuals, try to stay true to ourselves and who we are, the Universe, recognizes that and goes all out to support us in our “solitary” endeavour. When we take the first step, the Universe takes the remaining steps to enable us realise our dreams and aspirations. On the personal front, my earliest recollection of taking risks was, as a young teenager, pulling my mother out of an abusive marriage and not knowing what our future would be and how we would be able to cope with life moving forward. And later of being a single mother to raise my daughter & eventually “moving” to America, at the prime of my career in India. Professionally, I challenged stereotypes associated with the traditional dance form that I do, which I found to be extremely limiting, detrimental and diminishing to the art form. I created new productions, unprecedented in its history, which explored and highlighted its strength’s and immense potential, rather than reflecting it’s stunted and stagnant perception. My innovative and ground-breaking choreographies, compelled not just India, to sit up and take notice, but garnered international recognition as well. And, interestingly, now, I see my dance form, which is rooted in the Sacred feminine, as a powerful expression of femininity and its resonance with society. My journey as a dancer and woman seem to coalesce into one seamless whole, to question social, cultural & societal norms. Yet again, an unusual path, fraught with risks, but deeply fulfilling.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a world-renowned Indian classical dancer, an acclaimed exponent of Mohiniyattam, the graceful classical dance form from South India. I’m also a choreographer, speaker, feminist, actress, writer & singer. I have taken Mohiniyattam to higher levels by constantly exploring uncharted territory and expanding traditional boundaries, by celebrating both Indian and worldwide culture through unique innovative choreography. A recipient of several prestigious awards, last year, I was awarded the coveted Regents’ Professor & Lecturers Program at UCLA – an honor given to luminaries like Nobel laureates in the past. I continue to rejuvenate and evolve this ancient art form. I have performed at some of the most prestigious venues in India and around the globe, spanning over thirty countries, sponsored by The Govt. Of India, including the Bolshoi Theatre, the Edinburgh International Festival and the Lincoln Centre. In 2004, I co-authored a book along with my Guru-mother, Bharati Shivaji entitled ‘Mohiniyattam’, released by the Hon. President of India. I have a Bachelors & Masters in English Literature from Lady Shriram College, Delhi University and am the Artistic-Director of the Centre For Mohiniyattam, New Delhi & the Founder-Director of The Mohiniyattam Institute, Los Angeles. It was my single-minded passion and dedication towards my art, that kept me going, on an inspired journey, spanning so many decades and weathering countless hurdles. I also realized, that the one most important lesson was to believe in myself, regardless of external validation. Being fearless in my artistic vision and staying rooted in my conviction, gave me the strength and resilience to carve out my own path, which the artistic fraternity, could simply not ignore. If anything, I took it by storm and received a lot of admiration and accolades.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely take them to Ojai, to enjoy its quaint hippiesque mood, then Santa Barbara for a good lunch, followed by Solvang for some great Danish pastries with coffee and then head to San Luis Obispo, by driving along the 101 North and enjoying a view of the coastline. And then head further north, for some wine tasting of course. But before that, I would also love to take them to the Chumash reservation museum and wilderness in Thousand Oaks – it’s one of my favourite haunts and timeless in its natural beauty and habitat. Another place, very interesting would be the Griffith Park observatory and then to spend a couple of hours roaming in some of Hollywood’s most iconic land marks. Would love to take them to Pinks hot dogs and In and Out Burger. Because how can a tourist leave LA without visiting either place ? And lastly, I would certainly take them to the Ghetty Museum and try and catch one of the most sought after fusion food trucks in LA. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I feel extremely grateful to have had my Guru in dance, in my own mother. Her passion, dedication, conviction, fearless creativity & her seminal contribution in ensconcing the art form on the world map, greatly inspired me to follow her footsteps. As also, my grandmother, who instilled in me a passion for music, and her undying love for it and the unabated inspiration it provides. Both women made me realise, that nothing should ever come in the way of our calling in life. Another person, who I would like to acknowledge my deep gratitude for providing their mentorship and guidance would be a healer I went to several years ago. To him I owe, being shown the path of discovering my true identity, jettisoning all detrimental past programming and living life with clarity, awareness and in pursuance of spiritual growth.

Website: themohiniyattaminstitute.com, vijayalakshmi.net
Instagram: vijayalakshmi_tmi
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijaya-lakshmi-3365b41b8/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vijaya.lakshmi.946/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCGNKFhCc1U&t=46s
Other: https://vimeo.com/121643407

Image Credits
Avinash Pasricha Sara Baur Harding Urs Baur Eddy