Bridges
by Kumudini Lakhia
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An autobiographical extract from Women Who Dared in which the celebrated Kathak dancer and choreographer Kumudini Lakhia gives expression to an artist's approach to life and art. Reflecting on her long career, she describes dance not as mere technical display but as a means of communication, a 'bridge' between the dancer and the audience, between tradition and modernity, and between the inner self and the world. She recalls her struggle to break free from the rigid conventions of traditional Kathak, in which the solo dancer merely presented set pieces, and her bold effort to bring group choreography, contemporary themes and fresh design to the form. For this she faced criticism from traditionalists, but she persevered, believing that art must grow and speak to its own time. Lakhia stresses the discipline, dedication and constant self-questioning that the life of an artist demands, and the importance of building 'bridges', of connecting with others and with new ideas, rather than remaining imprisoned in old forms. The piece celebrates creativity, courage and the artist's lifelong search for meaningful expression.
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In this autobiographical extract, the Kathak dancer and choreographer Kumudini Lakhia reflects on her life in dance and her philosophy of art. Dance, for her, is a 'bridge', a means of connecting the dancer with the audience, and tradition with the present.
Dance as communication
Lakhia sees dance not as mere technical virtuosity or display but as a form of communication, a way of building a bridge between the performer and the audience, and between the inner self and the outer world. The purpose of art, for her, is to reach and move others.
Breaking with rigid tradition
She recalls her struggle to move beyond the rigid conventions of traditional solo Kathak, in which the dancer merely presented fixed, established pieces. She dared to introduce group choreography, contemporary themes and fresh design, seeking to make the classical form speak to the modern world.
Facing criticism, persevering
Her innovations drew criticism from traditionalists who resisted change, but Lakhia persevered, convinced that art must grow and remain alive to its own time rather than be frozen in the past. Her courage in challenging convention was central to her creative achievement.
The discipline of the artist
Lakhia stresses the discipline, dedication and constant self-questioning that an artist's life demands, and the importance of building bridges, connecting with others and with new ideas, rather than remaining imprisoned in old forms. The piece celebrates creativity, courage and the artist's lifelong search for meaningful expression.