Dr. Malini Krishnamurthi

A Profile.
The curtain is parted. There is a hush in the auditorium filled only by the melodic strains of the tambura and the cymbals. One is consumed with anticipation and nostalgia at the sight of the statue of Nataraja bedecked with flowers, at the fragrance of incense burning, and at the sound of tinkling anklets. The dancer walks in ever so gracefully, offering obeisance to the Lord of dance-Nataraja.

The lights become bright, the striking figure of the dancer fills the stage with her presence. "Endowed with attractive features and an enchanting personality" is the way critics have described her. Malini has started her performance. Her mastery over the complex idiom of her art and consummate control over the grammar of stylized abhinaya bears testimony to her passion and devotion to her work. Her impressive facial expressions move the audience in a wave of emotions. Her rhythmic footwork and sculpturesque poses delight the mind for their geometric perfection and architectural beauty.

Her Guru
Kalaimamani Guru Shri. Kalyanasundaram is widely recognized for his intricate choreography and exquisite compositions which are characterized by aesthetic and intellectual appeal. He is highly acclaimed for his deep sense of perfection and devotion towards preserving the Tanjore style of Bharatha Natyam in all of its pristine purity at the Sri Rajarajeswari Bharatha Natya Kala Mandir, Bombay, India.
Shingar Mani
Malini has several noteworthy performances to her credit. Not only has she performed under the auspices of prestigious institutions in Bombay, Madras and Hyderabad, but has performed for several noteworthy causes in India and abroad. In 1982 Malini performed at the invitation of the High Commissioner in London and has delighted audiences at the French Cultural Society, Paris.

In recognition of her enormous talent and devotion to dance and faithful rendering of her guru's compositions, the title of "Shingar Mani" was conferred on her at the "Kalke-Kalakar" (Artiste of tomorrow) Sammelan in 1977.

Exponent of Dance and Music
Dance and music are inextricably linked. While training in dance alone is exacting and fulfilling, nevertheless it is incomplete without training in music. Malini has acquired this tandem capability by learning music concurrently with dance. Malini is a disciple of Shri Someswara Babu who is a renowned musician following the G.N. Balsubramaniam style.

As a Teacher.
Besides being a celebrated exponent of Bharatha Natyam and a delightful stage performer, Malini has established a dance school "Natyanjali" where she trains young minds and bodies in this complex and demanding art in the same way she learned it from her guru. She has taken the young and the uninitiated and trained them to reach advanced levels and has presented them in their maiden performances, ballets and solo performances. Her students are testimonials of her ability as a meticulous teacher.

As an Academician
To Malini dance has been a passion and a subject very dear to her heart since the age of five. "To me dance is a way of worship, it is a means to an end. The beauty of dance is its ability to transport one to a world of divine bliss. The splendor and joy in dance transcends all else." It is this feeling that she tries to convey to her audiences through her performances. To this extent Malini has been successful in following her dance pursuits in addition to facing the challenges of an academic career.

Malini is a member of the faculty in the Department of Information Systems Decision Sciences at the California State University, Fullerton.