USA (Commonwealth Union)_ In the world of cultural icons, Michael Jackson stands out as a monumental figure whose influence spanned music, dance, and fashion throughout the 20th century. His groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on popular culture, yet few know the story of the talented dancer who performed alongside him in the iconic music video for “Black or White.” Yes, it is the Sri Lankan-American Odissi dancer Yamuna Sangarasivam, whose career has intertwined with academia and the arts.
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In 1991, when she was pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of California, Los Angeles, Sangarasivam auditioned for a role in Jackson’s highly anticipated video. Her selection was not merely a stroke of luck; she was among more than 3,000 contestants vying for a chance to dance with the King of Pop. Encouraged by her mother to seize this remarkable opportunity, Yamuna embraced the challenge, seeing it as a way to deepen her understanding of ethnography, a discipline she would later teach.
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The music video was filmed on an LA expressway, with vibrant scenes of cars zipping by, culminating in a performance that would reach an astounding audience of 500 million across 27 countries during its premiere. Yamuna’s experience working with Jackson was not just about the dance, it was also a profound personal encounter. During a media interview, she reflected on his kindness, recounting how he arranged for a luxury Mercedes to transport her and even brought a blanket for her mother, who had felt chilly on set. This glimpse into Jackson’s character revealed a humble side of the superstar, highlighting the mutual respect that developed between the two artists.
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Yamuna Sangarasivam’s artistic journey began long before she met Jackson. Born in northern Sri Lanka and raised in a culturally rich environment, she began dancing at the tender age of six. Her training in Odissi, a classical Indian dance form, provided her with a foundation that would later contribute to her unique style. In Odisha, India, she completed her study on piano and dance, further blending her diverse artistic influences. Her heritage is a blend of cultural narratives. Her father’s Singaporean roots and her mother’s Malaysian background also enrich her multifaceted identity.
Beyond her achievements in dance, Sangarasivam has made significant contributions to academia. Currently, she serves as a Professor of Anthropology at Nazareth College in New York, where she also directs the Women and Gender Studies Program. Her academic focus often intersects with performance studies and musicology, allowing her to explore the cultural implications of dance and its role in society. The interplay between her artistic and academic endeavors demonstrates how Yamuna Sangarasivam bridges two worlds. Her profound appreciation for performance art enhances her teaching, providing students with insights drawn from her unique experiences. This duality enriches her narrative, showcasing not only her accomplishments but also her commitment to fostering understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural practices.
Yamuna’s journey from a young girl in Sri Lanka to a renowned Odissi dancer performing with Michael Jackson encapsulates the power of perseverance and the influence of cultural heritage. Her story serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the vital connections between art, identity, and community. As she continues to educate and inspire future generations, her dance with the King of Pop remains a defining moment, a testament to the beauty of cultural exchange and the universal language of music and dance. In celebrating Yamuna Sangarasivam’s efforts in taking the Asian arts to western media, we honor not only her remarkable contributions to dance and academia but also the enduring legacy of arts that transcends borders, embodied by her unforgettable performance with Michael Jackson
